A man who helped inspire a nation on its darkest days

Tributes pour in to heroic fundraiser Sir Tom

Few have touched the nation’s hearts in hard times quite like Captain Sir Tom Moore, whose death at the age of 100 has sparked an outpouring of sadness, respect and praise across the country, including in Kent. Despite his brave wartime service, the veteran came from relative obscurity to become one of the most famous people in Britain after his charity walk around his garden caught the public’s attention and raised an incredible £33 million to support the NHS.

He was lauded as an inspiration while Covid-19 was bringing the country to its knees, earning him a knighthood.

This week the flags over county hall were flying at half mast in respect for Capt Tom. Among the thousands paying tribute were Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale, who described him as “an amazing man who lived a great and full life, captured the heart of the nation and made us smile in the darkness”. Former Canterbury city councillor leader Robert Thomas tweeted: “I know so many people across the world die each second of the day who each deserve our thoughts, but today’s loss of Captain Sir Tom Moore feels like a punch in the stomach. “Such a humble man, an inspiration and a figure of hope during these difficult days. Thank you for everything.” Among those who Capt Tom inspired was Kent schoolboy Tony Hudgell, five, who, despite tragically losing his legs after being abused by his parents, embarked on his own charity walk for the NHS.

His adoptive mother, Pauline, says he had not been motivated to walk again until he saw Capt

Tom’s effort, after which he set himself the challenge of walking six miles in 30 days on his prosthetic legs.

His efforts raised £1 million for the NHS.

Pauline tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. “Forever thankful for him inspiring Tony to take those steps.

“Always be our hero and forever in our hearts.” Yesterday, Kent County Council

leader Roger Gough said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was an inspirational person who lifted the nation’s spirits in a very difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. “Kent County Council will lower its flags to half mast as a mark of respect.” Captain Sir Tom had been admitted to hospital in Bedford with pneumonia.

His family says he caught coronavirus while there, which hastened his decline.

Captain Tom Moore raised £33 million to support the NHS during the first coronavirus lockdown