Tom gave us an example to live up to

HE joked that he was old, but age did not weary the spirit of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

As he turned 100, he notched a lifetime’s-worth of achievements – getting a military promotion and becoming an author, a knight and a national hero.

All he wanted to do was raise a few hundred pounds in gratitude and respect for the selfless NHS – to thank the heroes on the front line of our battle against the threat Covid-19 posed to society.

And it turned into more than £39million as he became an emblem for everything most worthy of protecting in society.

His walk for our NHS heroes was a huge step for a frail man with a big heart. But it symbolised something far greater.

Capt Tom lit the beacon of hope, compassion and optimism for the common good that lies at the very heart of humankind.

Legacy

Labourers, doctors, teachers, nurses, singers, actors – all making a difference until one man comes along to shine a floodlight on the essence of what ties us all together.

He did it because he believed in a brighter day for all, even in the darkest days as we battled an unsparing enemy that has now taken 122,705 lives.

He leaves us as we glimpse the possibility of that brighter day.

In his wisdom and strength, character, humour, hope and humbleness, Capt Tom leaves an example and a legacy.

It is an example that should inspire us all to remember and perhaps aspire to some of the values we’ve lost since Capt

Tom and his comrades fought for our future.

It is a legacy we salute.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him.