Tom Moore, the 100-year-old World War II veteran whose efforts to raise millions for the UK's National Health Service made him a universally adored icon during the first wave of the Covid-19 outbreak, has died in hospital after himself contracting the disease, his family said.
Known affectionately as Captain Tom, Moore raised almost Β£33 million ($45 million) by walking laps of his garden last year. His exploits united a country frozen in lockdown and made him an unlikely celebrity late in his life, earning him a military promotion, a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II and a number-one single.
Moore tested positive for the virus and was taken to a hospital on Sunday, suffering from breathing problems after being treated for pneumonia, his family said. They announced his death on Tuesday.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore," the family said in a statement to PA Media.
"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," they added. "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."
Buckingham Palace said the Queen was sending a private message of condolence to Moore's family, as numerous figures in British politics, culture, sport and society paid tribute to him.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "a hero in the truest sense of the word," and Moore's foundation, set up in the wake of his remarkable fundraising achievements, said it was "heartbroken."
#CNNInternational #News #TomMoore
CNNi: WWII vet who raised millions amid pandemic dies at 100
Travel well, and thank you Captain Tom. ππ£
The world needs more people like Captain Tom! I so hate losing the greatest generation that ever lived! Peace be with you.
@Y2J22 you were given a good education and this is what you came up with? what a waste!
@Jake Cutter Actually i was given a poor education in public school. Most of my true knowledge came from outside of the indoctrination classroom.
@Y2J22 ahh that makes sense.
@Ryan Rotten probably a 14 yo white girl who has no idea that if it wasn’t for ppl like Tom Moore, she’d be speaking German rn
I like a WWIII vet.
What a sweet soul heβs. Thank you, Captain Tom. You made the world a better place. RIP. π π β€οΈ
He was such an amazing man a credit to our country there will never be another like him
There were loads like him. The British Army turned them out like peas in a pod. https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/03/13/43DD625A00000578-0-image-a-5_1504442597535.jpg You’ve forgotten Harry Patch already … Wow, can it really be 11 years ago? Harry Patch did better than Tom, got married again after his 100th birthday and was even more missed (but not obviously by yourself). Ignorance usually means a lack of knowledge about such things. There will be dozens more just like them.
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay are u okey
A lovely humble cheerful dear man
This guy was a gem…RIP sir and thank you for being a great human! RESPECT!
Rest well old soldier, you’ve earned it
So sad. That’s what a real hero does while the anti maskers and conspiracy theorists keeps making more trouble then helping its fellow man. RIP. A well lived life.
Daniel Normand ππ€
Daniel Normand πππππ
Anthony Lucero you think your funny? You just made my point for me. Thank you.
Mom why do the best people die?
Which flowers do you pick in a garden?
The most beautiful ones.
RIP Captain Tom
Itβs sad the good ones seem to go when horrible people tend to stay. It doesnβt make sense, but I guess Iβll focus on the rose πΉ
I wish I had an answer for that.
Everyone dies nigha πππ
He lived to 100 years.
He lived a full life.
πͺ
What a great human soul!!! The world should cheer this life!
The NHS didn’t need “saving” but every penny helps. Shame he died prematurely because idiots didn’t behave and follow guidelines. Another good one gone!
It does need saving.
The Tories were defunding it piece by piece along with every other public service prior to the pandemic.
Expect them to continue the moment it is over and throw the people who gave their all for us this last year to the wolves.
@Kenny Hill So sorry to hear this! I have friends in England.
@Humphrey Bradley Per se.
Ot does need saving , the Tory Party want to replace it with a US system
@Kenny Hill it does not need more money given to it though, my mother is a nurse and she was telling me how stupid it all is, if they want to buy pens or other works things it has to come from a private company who charges about Β£2 per pen and you are not allowed to use anyone else, the lightbulbs used are special and can only be purchased from 1 manufacturer raising the costs. – if they got rid of the stupid contracts and opened things up to other company’s they would save millions!
The Colonel was knighted and went out leaving a legacy. A true legend.
He was also made honorary Captain of the English cricket team!!!
https://youtu.be/TGYXtXVlekA
God damn the other side got a hell of a Soldier, a better Man, and most of all, an inspiration to us all. Cheers to Captain Tom.
The World has lost a Warrior in many ways π Col/Capt. Tom, we’ll see you on the other side of the rainbow
πͺππ
American expat here, so sad about Capt. Tom. What an example for everyone, no more like him.
This is a true humanitarian. God rest his beautiful soul
A true Hero. We need ten thousand more as noble as He. Rest in Peace Sir, till We form agin.
2% of people who are watching this comment I wish their parents still alive more than 100 years πππGod bless you ππππ
A true hero past away, but left a legacy of thoughts and inspiration.
im not british and usually a tough guy. now i sit here with tears in my eyes. what an incredible beautiful soul. rest in peace, sir.