Captain Sir Tom Moore's inspirational 'legacy will live on'

'He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world'

Soraya Ebrahimi author image
Soraya Ebrahimi
Feb 03, 2021
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Tributes flowed from across the UK on Tuesday after the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore, 100, the military veteran who won British hearts with his fundraising during the pandemic.

He died on Tuesday having being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

UK political leaders and celebrities said his legacy would live on as ordinary people joined in the grieving.

His family: "We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: "Capt Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word.

“In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom, and in the face of this country’s deepest post-war crisis, he united us all, he cheered us all up and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.

“It’s quite astonishing that, at the age of 100, he raised more than £32 million ($40m) for the NHS on his own and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us throughout this pandemic.

“He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world."

Captain Sir Tom Moore died aged 100. Reuters

Captain Sir Tom Moore died aged 100. Reuters

The British Army: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Capt Sir Tom Moore.

"An exceptional man and soldier to the end, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock: "He was a great British hero that showed the best of our country."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak: "A proud Yorkshire man. A dedicated army officer. A tireless fundraiser. And above all, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace Capt Tom."

Queen Elizabeth II: "The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Capt Sir Tom Moore.

"Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts and those of the Royal Family are with them.

The National Health Service: "Thanks for everything, Sir Tom."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan: "Heartbroken to hear the news that Capt Sir Tom Moore has sadly passed away.

"He was a true hero, in every sense of the word, and will be mourned by millions."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace: "In national emergencies ordinary people do extraordinary things and inspire us all to pull together to overcome adversity.

"Few will have heard of Capt Sir Tom before this crisis but his contribution and example now live on in us all."

Read More
Capt Tom Moore, who found fame after his fundraising walk around his garden, has died. EPA
Captain Sir Tom Moore dies aged after catching Covid
Captain Sir Tom Moore in hospital with Covid-19

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer: "This is incredibly sad news. Capt Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero."

NHS Charities Together chief executive Ellie Orton: "He really was a beacon of hope, the optimism that he brought and hope to us in a really dark and difficult time for this nation and particularly for the NHS is just incredible.

“He is held in such amazing high regard, he is a national hero and his legacy will live on in the NHS for years and years to come.”

Fundraiser Lloyd Scott: "Although the amount of money he raised was absolutely mind-boggling, I think that his legacy was really how he touched the souls of everybody – not just in this country but around the world."

Fundraiser Dabirul Islam Choudhury: "He is our real hero and we will miss him terribly."

Footballer and activist Marcus Rashford: "You have inspired generation after generation with your kindness, your perseverance and your strength. You fought for others [until] the very end.

"A role model to so many at a time of such difficulty, your legacy will live on for years to come. Thank you for being a shining light of 2020. Rest in peace Capt Sir Tom. My thoughts are very much with your loved ones."

England football manager Gareth Southgate: "Capt Sir Tom Moore demonstrated the very best of England during an extremely difficult time for the nation.

"It is no exaggeration to say he helped bring the country together in a way that few ever could, and he leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.

"I was especially struck by his dedication to going above and beyond with his personal challenge, his relentless positivity and his good humour."

One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson: "A truly remarkable man whose message lives on as inspiration for us all to do more whatever our situation."

Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack: "Sir Capt Tom Moore. What a man, what a story. The hero that brought us hope and joy when we needed it most. Rest peacefully Sir."

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