Queen leads tributes to Captain Sir Tom Moore after death

Captain Sir Tom Moore has died with coronavirus.
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The 100-year-old Second World War veteran whose charity walks inspired the nation early in the pandemic, has died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Queen led tributes to Capt Sir Tom, “recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world”.

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He was knighted by the Queen in July in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Capt Sir Tom tested positive for Covid-19 last week. He had not had the vaccine.

The Army veteran won the nation’s hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

In a statement, Capt Sir Tom’s daughters Mrs Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.

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“We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

File photo dated 17/07/2010 of Captain Sir Thomas Moore receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Windsor CastleFile photo dated 17/07/2010 of Captain Sir Thomas Moore receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Windsor Castle
File photo dated 17/07/2010 of Captain Sir Thomas Moore receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony at Windsor Castle

“We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.

“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.

“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.”

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson 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.

File photo dated 16/04/2020 of the then 99-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, after he achieved his goal of 100 laps of his gardenFile photo dated 16/04/2020 of the then 99-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, after he achieved his goal of 100 laps of his garden
File photo dated 16/04/2020 of the then 99-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, after he achieved his goal of 100 laps of his garden

“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.”

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.”

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Paying tribute on Twitter First Minister Arlene Foster said: “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.”

File photo dated 24/9/2020 of Captain Sir Tom Moore in Marston Moretaine, Bedford at the launch event for the Lloyd Scott Three Peaks Challenge.File photo dated 24/9/2020 of Captain Sir Tom Moore in Marston Moretaine, Bedford at the launch event for the Lloyd Scott Three Peaks Challenge.
File photo dated 24/9/2020 of Captain Sir Tom Moore in Marston Moretaine, Bedford at the launch event for the Lloyd Scott Three Peaks Challenge.

Alliance leader Stephen Farry said: “So awfully sad and cruel. He has shown such powerful leadership and been an inspiration to so many”.

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.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the news of Sir @captaintommoore’s death.

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“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.”

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”.

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.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore.Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Captain Sir Tom Moore.

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”.

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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.”

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.”

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Captain Sir Tom Moore was honoured with the magazine’s Inspiration award at their annual GQ Men Of The Year Awards last year.

He also made history, aged 100, as the oldest British GQ cover star in the magazine’s 33 year history.

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.”