Tributes pour-in for 'true hero' Captain Sir Tom Moore
The war veteran has been described as "the very best of our society during these unprecedented times"
Last updated 3rd Feb 2021
Tributes are being paid across our region for Captain Sir Tom Moore, after he died aged 100.
The Second World War veteran was knighted at Windsor Castle in July last year, after raising more than £32 million for NHS charities during the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sir Tom was being treated in Bedfordshire, after developing pneumonia in recent weeks and then testing positive for COVID-19.
He initially wanted to raise £1,000 for walking 100 laps of his garden before his hundredth birthday. However, the mission captured the hearts of the nation as he smashed this target.
In a statement after his death on Tuesday 2 February, Sir Tom's daughters called the last year of his life "nothing short of remarkable".
Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira added: "He was rejuvenated and experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of.
"Whilst he'd been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever".
The retired army officer's family also described his NHS care during the final years of his life as "extraordinary".
"They have been unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined," his daughters said.
Local Tributes
Emergency services in the West Country have confirmed staff will be showing their respects to the war veteran this evening:
North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, called the centurion "a true hero":
The Chief Executive of Great Western Hospital said Sir Tom's work made a tangible difference to our region during lockdown:
His death was also marked by Great Western Railway:
10 Downing Street has paid tribute to Sir Tom by flying its Union flags at half-mast.
Dorset and Wiltshire's Fire Service and Swindon Borough Council offered their condolences by following suit:
Some incredible moments from the final 12 months of Sir Tom's life
Celebrating with his family post fundraiser
In April, Captain Tom celebrated with his family after completing 100 laps of his garden in aid of the NHS' charitable wing, NHS Charities Together, raising £33 million.
Sir Captain Tom Moore
Captain Tom Moore becomes Sir Captain Tom Moore after receiving his knighthood from the Queen last July.
A Captain Tom mural
A mural was painted in Belfast to commemorate his 100th Birthday. He also received more than 150,000 Birthday cards from all over the world.
Walking down a guard of honour
Captain Sir Tom was also made an Honorary Colonel of the Northern military training establishment in tribute to his fundraising efforts.
He even had a No.1 in the charts
Captain Tom also reached No.1 in the charts with his rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball and The NHS Voices Of Care Choir.
Captain Tom releases autobiography
Captain Tom released his own book 'Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day: My Autobiography', and was Sunday Times No1 Bestseller. It captures the story of his long and dramatic life, including his time in World War II and his love for motorbikes.
A Charity challenge was launched in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore
The family of Captain Sir Tom Moore encouraged people to take on their own "Captain Tom 100" charity challenge on what would have been the weekend of his 101st birthday.
A 'Captain Sir Tom Moore day'
Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter is hopes to start an annual fundraising event, in the style of Children In Need, to empower older people.