The Queen is leading tributes tonight to NHS hero Captain Sir Tom Moore, as the Archbishop of Canterbury said: ‘Where he walked, a nation followed.’
Queen Elizabeth sent a private message of condolence to the veteran’s family after news of death broke today.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace tweeted: ‘A Buckingham Palace spokesman: ‘Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.
Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world.’
The 100-year-old Second World War veteran helped inspire people in the early months of the Covid pandemic by raising £33million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden at his Bedfordshire home.
Speaking tonight the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear that Sir Captain Tom Moore has died. I pray for his family and friends, and I join millions across the country in mourning with them.
‘Captain Tom was the very best of us. His courage, compassion, resilience, hope and generosity have been an inspiration to millions – and an example to us all. Where he walked a nation followed.
‘I give thanks to God for such a long life, so well lived. May Captain Tom rest in peace.’
Singer Michael Ball, who recorded a charity cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone with Sir Tom that reached number one, wrote on Twitter: ‘Rest in peace @captaintommoore. A wonderful life so well lived and a hero and fighter to the very end.
Captain Sir Tom Moore, the Second World War veteran who raised more than £32million for the NHS, has died after contracting Covid-19. Her Majesty The Queen ‘very much enjoyed meeting,’ the 100-year-old, Buckingham Palace said this evening, as it confirmed she had sent a private message of support to his grieving family
‘So very very sad. Love and prayers for @Hannah-I-M and all the family. ‘
Boris Johnson has spoken to Sir Tom’s daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore to offer his condolences, while Queen Elizabeth has sent a private message to his family to pay her respects.
In a statement, the PM said: ‘Captain 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 is quite astonishing that at the age of 100 he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us through the pandemic.
‘He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family.’
The flag above 10 Downing Street will fly at half-mast following the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Information released on behalf of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 on January 22 after returning home from hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
The statement said Sir Tom was tested regularly for Covid-19 between December 9 and January 12 and each test returned negative.
Boris Johnson and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have paid glowing tributes to Captain Tom, who has died at the age of 100 after a short battle with Covid-19. The PM said he ‘was a hero in the truest sense of the word’
‘He was admitted to hospital on January 12. Whilst in hospital he received a pneumonia diagnosis. In addition, as with other patients, he was tested regularly for Covid-19.
‘On January 22, Tom was discharged from hospital back to the family home where he felt most comfortable. Unfortunately he was left still fighting pneumonia and tested positive for Covid-19 that day.
‘He remained at home, cared for by family and medical professionals, until he needed additional help with his breathing. He was taken by ambulance to Bedford Hospital on Sunday January 31.
‘Tom was able to have visitors to say goodbye to him at the end of his life. Yesterday evening his daughter Hannah and grandchildren Benjie and Georgia were able to be by his side and his daughter Lucy was able to speak to him on FaceTime.’
The veteran set out to raise £1,000 from his charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.
He raised a total of £32.7 million, with donations from 1.5 million supporters, before his fundraising page was closed at midnight following his 100th birthday on April 30.
In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.
Sir Tom rounded off 2020 with a trip to Barbados with his family, and his fundraising efforts were marked during the New Year drone display in London, as his figure appeared over the O2 Arena.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘A proud Yorkshire man. A dedicated Army Officer. A tireless fundraiser. And above all, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace Captain Tom.’
Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: ‘I’m so sorry to hear that Captain Tom has passed away in hospital.
‘He was a great British hero that showed the best of our country & I send my best wishes to his family at this time.’
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: ‘An inspiration to millions, not just in the United Kingdom, but around the world. A bright, kind light in the darkest of times. A British hero.
‘I will never forget his undaunted optimism and how it helped us all to keep going. Rest in peace, @CaptainTomMoore.’
Former PM David Cameron paid his respects, tweeting: ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore has been an inspiration – lighting up what has been such a dark year for so many.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and with all those who have so sadly lost a loved one due to this terrible virus. RIP Sir Tom, a great British hero.’
Captain Tom Moore (2-L) with grandson Benji (L), daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore (2-R) and granddaughter Georgia, pictured after completing his 100th length of his garden. A statement from his family tonight read: ‘The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of’
Second World War veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the nations hearts when he set out to raise £1,000 before his 100th birthday for the NHS by walking laps of his garden. His fundraising campaign took off, and he ended up raising more than £32million
Other politicians have also remembered the centenarians phenomenal contribution in 2020, with MPs describing him as a ‘real candle in the gloom’.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: ‘A light has gone out in the world tonight, with news of the death of our very own national treasure, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
‘He came into our lives when he was 99, by raising an incredible £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden with his Zimmer frame.
‘He inspired us during the first Covid lockdown, raised our spirits and made us think that we can do this – we can get through this pandemic.
‘A nation will be in mourning today, and our hearts go out to his family, who have lost a wonderful father and grandfather.
‘Captain Sir Tom, you were a hero during the Second World War. You were a hero during some of our darkest hours. We salute you – may you rest in peace.’
For Labour, shadow transport minister Mike Kane added: ‘Some people are born great, some people achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them, and I think Sir Tom probably was all three of those things.
‘An inspiration to the whole nation at a time of crisis, a real candle in the gloom for the British people and I wholeheartedly concur with your comments, Mr Deputy Speaker.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: ‘This is incredibly sad news. Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero.’
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘Heartbroken to hear the news that Captain Sir Tom Moore has sadly passed away. He was a true hero, in every sense of the word, and will be mourned by millions. My thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.’
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: ‘Deeply saddened by the news of Sir @captaintommoore’s death.
‘He was a quite extraordinary individual who inspired and boosted the morale of the whole nation. My thoughts are with his family who can be proud of everything he achieved.’
Veteran fundraiser Lloyd Scott, who wore a 130lb deep-sea diving suit to race Captain Sir Tom Moore at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedford, said: ‘The very saddest of news.
Downing Street has lowered the Union Flag to half mast to honour the passing of the NHS hero
‘Captain Tom was a shining light, who inspired everyone; helping us cope through this dreadful time – battling this ghastly virus.
‘A humble hero, his spirit touched the very soul and brought out the best in humanity. God bless you Tom and RIP.’
DJ MistaJam tweeted: ‘Feeling extremely grateful for Captain Sir Tom Moore today – he was a real beacon of light in such dark times and a reminder that we all have the power to make things better for each other if we truly are willing to put in the effort. Rest in Peace Sir.’
TV and radio presenter Amanda Holden wrote on Instagram: ‘Goodbye to this absolute joy of a man. @captainsirtom ..A National Hero who brought us all together and shone so much light in such a dark time. .. his indomitable spirit and sense of humour taught us so much. .. and will live on thanks to the enormous legacy left behind . My love goes out to your wonderful family.’
The NHS, as well as nurses who cared for the beloved veteran, made sure to honour his passing.
The NHS, for which Sir Tom raised millions of pounds, tweeted: ‘Thanks for everything Sir Tom.’
The London Eye has been lit up in memory, as TV presenters, DJs, and politicians all pay their respects. Victoria Derbyshire tweeted tonight: ‘You will never be forgotten’
In a statement shared on Twitter, Liz Lees, chief nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘It has been our immense privilege to care for Captain Sir Tom Moore.
‘We share our deepest condolences and sympathies with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
‘We’d also like to say thank you, and pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore for the remarkable contribution he has made to the NHS.’
BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire tweeted: ‘Thank you Sir for everything you did for our country. You will never, ever be forgotten
‘To Hannah and your whole family – we were privileged to be able to get to know your father a little. Thank you. What an incredible man. Sending so much love and strength to you’.
Boris Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds tweeted: ‘Just amazing to think what @captaintommoore achieved in his 100th year of life. Thank you for inspiring us all.’
Blackpool Tower has been lit in blue tonight to commemorate the death of the beloved veteran
Some Twitter users paid their respects by sharing images of characters saluting in his honour
Dylan Jones, editor in Chief of GQ, said: ‘Captain Tom was one of the heroes of 2020, and he was the first person we thought of celebrating when we started planning last year’s Men Of The Year Awards.
‘Not only was he the oldest person ever to grace our cover, he was one of the most gracious. He was a hero, a genuine old-fashioned hero, and I feel blessed that we were in his orbit, albeit for a very brief time.’
Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness tweeted: ‘I never knew Captain Sir Tom Moore personally but, like millions of others, it felt like I did. He brought us together at a time when we needed it the most. I’d smile whenever he popped up on the telly, he made me feel proud, optimistic and hopeful for the future. RIP Captain’.
Radio presenter Zoe Ball tweeted: ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore. Thank you for inspiring us all to do more to help our fellow humans.
‘You are forever in our hearts. May your star shine the brightest for your loved ones. RIP magical chap.’
BBC presenter Dan Walker tweeted: ‘How sad to hear about Captain Sir Tom Moore. He did so much to inspire us all last year & achieved so much in his 100th year. He raised millions of pounds, lifted millions of spirits and now millions will miss his wisdom & his smile. My deepest condolences to his loved ones’.
Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid tweeted: ‘The man who united and inspired our nation at a moment of deepest despair. Thank you Captain Sir Tom Moore for your service. I am heartbroken for your family. A life well lived, and well loved. RIP.’
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted: ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore has left us. He leaves behind a living legacy to our NHS heroes and his inspiring example of the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.’
Fitness expert Joe Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, wrote on Instagram: ‘An inspiration who helped millions of people feel hopeful and optimistic during a difficult time. Rest in Peace Sir Captain Tom Moore.’
TV star Nick Knowles tweeted: ‘RIP Sir Tom Moore Was an honour to get to know you & laugh & smile together in Windsor An honourable man, you epitomised positivity & hope.’
Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said Captain Sir Tom Moore gave the nation a ‘boost when we most needed it’.
She said in a statement: ‘On behalf of everyone in the NHS, I want to pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore who has been the model of all that has been good about our country’s response to Covid-19.
‘People rightly marvel at the tens of millions of pounds Captain Sir Tom raised for the NHS, but for me his biggest achievement and most important contribution to helping my fellow nurses, doctors and all those in the NHS responding to coronavirus, has been how he brought the country together and gave us all a boost when we most needed it.
‘I also want to echo the thanks of Hannah and Lucy to my colleagues who have cared for Captain Sir Tom in his final days, and I am proud that the NHS was able to offer Captain Sir Tom and his family compassion, skill and dedication when they most needed it.’
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘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.’
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted: ‘RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore He captured the hearts of the nation with his incredible fundraising, wise words and can-do spirit Thank you Sir.’
Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
‘He was a great inspiration to many people with his fighting spirit and optimism during this pandemic.
‘The huge amount of money he raised for the NHS showed how his efforts inspired people, not just in the UK but all around the world.
‘It was a story of hope, determination and, as a man who was Keighley born and bred, of true Yorkshire grit.
‘Captain Sir Tom was one of the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic, but, as well as that, he was a remarkable man whose compassion for the pandemic compelled him to do his bit to help despite his age.’
BBC’s The One Show tweeted: ‘We are so saddened to hear the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore. He inspired us all and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time’.