War veteran lifted nation’s spirits
CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE was the World War 2 veteran who lifted a nation's spirits by raising millions of pounds for British health service workers battling Covid19.
He died on February 2, aged 100, after contracting the virus.
Sir Tom struck a chord with lockeddown Britain by walking around his garden with the help of a frame to raise £38.9 million
($NZ72 million) for the National Health Service.
His endeavour and wit spread joy amid the grim news of the Covid19 outbreak: Sir Tom’s message to the world was that the sun would shine again and that the clouds would clear.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Queen Elizabeth II led the tributes to Sir Tom, whose exploits won global admiration.
‘‘Captain Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word,’’ Mr Johnson said, speaking to Sir Tom’s daughter Hannah to pass on his condolences.
‘‘He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world.’’
The flag above Mr Johnson’s Downing Street office was lowered to halfmast in Sir Tom’s honour.
The Queen, who knighted Sir Tom at Windsor Castle last summer in recognition of his efforts, would send a message of private condolence to the family, Buckingham Palace said, adding that the 94yearold monarch had ‘‘very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom’’.
‘‘Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world,’’ the palace said.
When Sir Tom, dressed in a blazer and tie, started his sponsored walk at his home in the village of Marston Moretaine, 80km north of London, he hoped to raise £1000.
Instead, he amassed a world record sum for the National Health Service as his quiet determination and cheerful outlook won the hearts of the British public.
‘‘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,’’ his daughters said.
‘‘While 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.’’
Such was his fame that his 100th birthday was marked by a message from Mr Johnson, a promotion to the rank of colonel and flypasts by both historic planes and modern RAF helicopters above his home.
He received more than 125,000 birthday cards from wellwishers around the world and became the oldest person to reach No 1 in Britain's main music singles chart, featuring on a cover version of You'll Never Walk Alone.
‘‘I never, ever anticipated ever in my life anything like this, it really is amazing,’’ Sir Tom said when he turned 100 on April 30.
‘‘Thank you very much to everyone, wherever you are.’’
Raised in Yorkshire, northern England, Sir Tom served in India, Burma and Sumatra during World War 2.
Soldiers from the First Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, the successor to his own, gave him a guard of honour when he completed the 100th length of the garden on April 16, 2020.
Sir Tom found words to cheer up the British public during lockdown, his status as a war veteran adding to his standing.
‘‘For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment, the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away,’’ he said after completing his sponsored walk.
‘‘You've all got to remember that we will get through it in the end, it will all be right, it might take time. At the end of the day we shall all be OK again.’’