During the pandemic, we’ve seen people across the world do some incredible things to raise funds for frontline workers and aid in COVID-19 relief. Captain Tom Moore was one of those incredible, awe-inspiring examples of people doing extraordinary things to fundraise.
On February 2, his family confirmed the 100-year-old war veteran, who served as an officer in India and Burma campaigns during WWII, has passed away.
His two daughters, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, announced his death via a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore,” the announcement read.
“We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.
“We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.”
Over the weekend, Moore’s daughter Hannah shared on social media that he had been admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19. At the time, she wrote: “Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19. He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing.”
Moore raised $57 million in the run-up to his 100th birthday by completing 100 laps of his garden with the help of a walking frame, capturing the heart of the world.
He went on to receive a knighthood for his fundraising efforts—as well as to break the Guinness World Record—with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling the war vet “a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus” and a “true national treasure.”
According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, the Queen is sending a “private message of condolence” to Moore’s family. “Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year,” reads a statement. “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.”
