Belfast Lord Mayor opens online book of condolence for Captain Sir Tom Moore

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey has opened an online book of condolence in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Sir Tom, 100, had inspired the the nation by walking 100 laps of his garden in order to raise millions of pounds for the NHS during the pandemic.

“Captain Sir Tom captured the heart of the nation and was an inspiration to us all,” said Alderman McCoubrey.

“His resilience and positive affirmations on life buoyed us all at a time when we were feeling the weight of the ongoing pandemic, uniting communities and, indeed, an entire nation. His remarkable spirit and hopeful outlook were inspiring, and helped lift the spirits of people right across the globe with his headline-making fundraising for NHS charities.

“I know the family of Captain Sir Tom will feel his loss most keenly; but I know I speak for people across the city and beyond who share in their sadness at his passing. His family can be very proud of his wonderful legacy, not just as a decorated World War Two veteran, but as someone who embodied the hopes of an entire nation at a time when they needed it most.”

The book of condolence is now open and can be signed on Belfast City Council’s website: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/condolences

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s memory is to be marked with a national clap, as tributes continue to be paid to a veteran hailed as having dedicated his life to serving others.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to join in the show of appreciation for the 100-year-old as well as health workers at 6pm on Wednesday evening.

The House of Commons fell silent in tribute to Sir Tom ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions, and Mr Johnson told MPs the centenarian had dedicated his life to serving others.

He said: “We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.

“That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening.”

His death on Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19 has prompted reaction from around the world and charities have vowed his legacy will live on “for years and years”.

His family said the last year of his life was “nothing short of remarkable”, and that he had “experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of”.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Captain Tom’s contribution – having raised more than £32 million for the NHS during the first coronavirus lockdown – will be formally marked.

Asked whether a statue might be built “in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London”, Mr Hancock told LBC: “Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution that he made to the NHS and he was an inspiration to so many people.”

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