LONDON (AP) – World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore, who entered the heart of a deadlocked nation as he mingled in his garden to raise money for health workers, has died after was tested positive for COVID-19. He was 100 years old.
His family announced his death on Twitter, posting a photo with him behind his walking at a happy time, ready for an adventure.
“The last year of our father’s life was not remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he had only ever dreamed of “, says the family’s statement. “While he has been in so many hearts for a short time, he has been an incredible father and grandfather and will remain alive in our hearts forever.”
Captain Tom, as he became known in newspaper headlines and TV interviews, set out to raise £ 1,000 for the UK National Health Service, touring 100 laps in his backyard. But his search went viral and caught the imagination of millions of people stranded at home during the first wave of the pandemic. Donations spilled from across the UK to 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, bent over with age, pushing his obstacle into the garden with difficulty. But his sunny attitude during a dark moment inspired people to look beyond illness and loss.
“Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day,” Moore said in an interview during his walk, uttering the words that have become his trademark.
When Captain Tom finished his 100th round on April 16, a military honor guard fell by the wayside. The celebration continued on his birthday a few days later, when two World War II fighter jets flew overhead in tribute. Moore, a plaid blanket over his shoulders, pumped a fist as they screamed in the past.
In July, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a social distance ceremony at Windsor Castle, west of London. The 94-year-old monarch used an impossibly long sword to honor him, while Moore, wearing his war medals on his chest, leaned on his gait, shone and became Sir Tom.
“I have been overwhelmed by the many honors I have received in recent weeks, but there is simply nothing to compare with this,” he posted on Twitter after the ceremony. “I am overwhelmed with pride and joy.”
Queen Elizabeth II is planning a private message of condolences to the family, Buckingham Palace said.
“His Majesty was very pleased to meet last year with Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor,” the palace said in a statement. “Her thoughts and those of the royal family are with them, acknowledging the inspiration she has given to the whole nation and to others around the world.”
The flags were lowered at the office of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street. The British leader described Moore as a “hero in the true sense of the word.”
Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, on April 30, 1920, Moore completed an apprenticeship in civil engineering before enlisting in the army in the early months of World War II. After being selected for officer training, he rose to the rank of captain while serving in India, Burma and Sumatra.
After leaving the military in 1946, Moore went to work for the family construction company. After his failure, he became a salesman and later a manager for construction companies. When the concrete company he worked for threatened to close, Moore gathered a group of investors and bought it, keeping 60 jobs.
Along the way, he divorced his first wife and fell in love with his employer’s office manager, Pamela. The couple married, had two daughters and eventually retired to Spain, but returned to England after Pamela Moore fell ill.
After his wife died in 2006, Moore moved to the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire to live with his youngest daughter, Hannah, and her family.
The former motorcyclist slowed down at the age of 98, after falling and breaking his hip in 2018. A passenger replaced his Skoda Yeti, but continued to move.
During a barbecue in the backyard in early April last year, Moore’s family challenged him to walk the entire 25-foot (82-foot) road. After he reached the end, his son-in-law encouraged him to continue, offering to pay £ 1 for each lap and suggesting a 100-lap goal until Moore’s 100th birthday.
The challenge flew from there.
Moore thought he could raise £ 1,000 ($ 1,363) for doctors and nurses who cared for him after he broke his hip, and his family used social media to publicize the “100-minute walk.” years of Captain Tom Moore for the NHS ”. A local radio reporter called first, then the national broadcasters. Soon, the international media was waiting in front of the garden gate.
As he pushed his way up and down the garden path, people facing the first blockade of the UK pandemic watched online. Soon, #TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay was trending on Twitter.
“People have told me that there is something in my little walk that has captured the hearts of those still shocked by the crisis,” Moore wrote in his autobiography. “With an increasing number of deaths and the prospect of months of deadlock, everyone was desperate for good news. It seems that a 99-year-old former army captain who had fought in Burma, was recovering from a broken hip and did everything in his power for the NHS was exactly what they needed.
Prince Harry, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and dozens of celebrities cheered him on.
But it was the public who hugged Captain Tom, flooding the village post office with about 6,000 gifts and 140,000 birthday cards. Moore was amazed that someone would spend £ 2 ($ 2.74) on a card for him, then put on a mask to wait in line at a post office to send it by mail.
He was named an honorary member of the English cricket team, received a train named after him and was recognized with the Freedom of the City of London award.
Moore enjoyed the awards, but remained focused on others.
He dedicated his autobiography, “Tomorrow will be a good day,” “to all who serve on the front lines of any battle — be it military, psychological, or medical.”
Finally, Captain Tom urged the audience to take care of each other and thanked the country he inspired for inspiring him.
“I felt a little frustrated and disappointed after I broke my hip and it gave me confidence,” he said after completing his journey. “However, the last three weeks have given me a step in the spring. I have renewed my goal and I have fully enjoyed every second of this exciting adventure, but I cannot continue to go on indefinitely ”.