Captain Tom Moore, the World War II veteran who entered the hearts of a closed nation as he roamed his garden to raise funds for health workers, died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 100 years old.
His family announced his death on Twitter, posting a photo of him behind his walker at a happy time, ready for an adventure.
“The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. He rejuvenated and experienced things he had only dreamed of,” the family statement said. “While he had been in so many hearts. for a short time, he was an amazing father and grandfather, and he will remain alive in our hearts forever. “
Captain Tom, as he was known in newspaper headlines and in television interviews, set out to raise £ 1,000 for Britain’s National Health Service by walking 100 laps in your garden. But his search went viral and captured the imagination of millions trapped at home during the first wave of the pandemic. Donations came from all over Britain and from places as far away as the United States and Japan, raising about £ 33 million ($ 40 million).
For three weeks in April, fans were greeted with daily videos of Captain Tom, hunched over by age, stubbornly pushing his walker into the garden. But it was his cheerful attitude during a dark time that inspired people to look beyond illness and loss.
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“Always have it, tomorrow will be a good day,” Moore said in an interview during his walk, uttering the words that became his trademark.
When Captain Tom finished his 100th lap on April 16, a military honor guard lined up along the way. The celebration continued on its anniversary a few days later, when two World War II-era fighter jets flew over in homage. Moore, with a plaid blanket over his shoulders, clenched his fist as they passed roaring.
In July, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a socially distant ceremony at Windsor Castle, west London. The 94-year-old monarch used an incredibly long sword to bestow honor when Moore, with his war medals on his chest, leaned on his walker, smiled, and became Sir Tom.