We’ll never forget you, Capt Tom

Once in a century someone ordinary comes along with the grit and guts to rise to the superhuman challenge of extraordinary times. Such a man was Captain Sir Tom Moore, who made it to his 100th birthday – despite setting himself an ambitious task that would have floored some people half his age.

He only intended to raise £1,000 for the NHS by doing 100 laps of his garden with his walking frame. No one was more gobsmacked than him when donations hit nearly £40million.

In doing so, he both inspired and humbled a nation staring a foreign invader in the eye and fearing defeat. If Tom could square up to this enemy with such steely courage and punch it on the snout, then so could the rest of us.

And it should be no irony that it was Covid-19 that eventually got him.

The Second World War veteran passed away on February 2, suffering from pneumonia and having been diagnosed with coronavirus.

RESOLVE

Many of our greatest warriors are honoured only posthumously thanks to their heroism.

His achievement stiffened our backbone, his determination hardened our resolve and his good humour made us smile.

He united the nation in a way no politician ever could and, in so doing, bound us together to give us strength for this other Battle of Britain.

As mourner Dinah Hawkins wrote in his book of condolence: “You are the best example of what it is to be British.”

Tom symbolised the millions of heroes who go the extra mile – the doctors, nurses, teachers, care workers, police, firefighters, delivery drivers, shop workers, posties and rubbish collectors. Tom Moores all.

Yesterday, Tom was laid to rest, and there is no one more deserving of resting in peace.

His funeral was one befitting a true national hero – a wreath from the Queen, a Union Jackdraped coffin, three volleys from an honour guard and a flypast by a Second World War Dakota. We shall always remember your defiant thumbs-up, Tom. We can imagine you still doing it and chuckling where you are now.

And the angels smiling on you will be raising their thumbs right back.