Salisbury City Council flag flown at half mast for Captain Tom
The authority say they're 'saddened' by the passing of the 100 year old
The flag on top of Salisbury Guildhall has been lowered to half mast today (Wednesday 3rd February) in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
The Second World War veteran passed away yesterday, having tested positive for Covid-19.
During the first lockdown, he raised more than £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden to mark his 100th birthday.
Leader of Salisbury City Council, Cllr Liz Sirman said:
"We are all very sad to hear about the death of Caption Sir Tom Moore. At the age of 100, he lifted the spirits of the nation and was a symbol of hope during the pandemic. My thoughts are with his family during this time."
Some of the money raised by Captain Tom was given to the Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital, through the NHS Charities Together organisation.
Dave Cates from the charity says his support has made a massive difference:
"It's enabled us to keep funding our free WiFi service, which has been absolutely vital in keeping people in touch when their loved ones when they're isolated and alone in hospital. It's enabled us to continue funding the wages of the staff counsellor, who's been providing really important mental health support to staff facing challenging and difficult times. It's helped us to provide care packages to staff and morale boosting treats.
"He will remembered, he will be missed, and he's left a great legacy."
Boris Johnson has led tributes to Captain Tom in the House of Commons today, with a minute's silence held before Prime Minister's Questions.
He's also encouraging people to take part in a 'national clap' this evening at 6.00pm, to honour Captain Tom's life and the efforts of healthcare workers through the pandemic.