Captain Sir Tom Moore, the World War II veteran who raised millions of dollars for healthcare workers during the pandemic, has died at the age of 100 after testing positive for the coronavirus, CNN reported.
Last year, Moore became a viral icon and source of inspiration for people all over the world after he shuffled his way around his garden in a 100-lap birthday walk , which ultimately raised £33 million ($45 million USD) for the NHS.
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Moore’s campaign efforts began back in the spring of 2020 when the then-99-year-old veteran was approaching his 100th birthday.
While the UK dealt with an unprecedented lockdown to curb the virus outbreak, Moore sought to keep spirits alive by completing 100 laps around his property for charity, with the use of his walker.
His initial fundraising goal was just £1,000 ($1,370 USD), but once word got out about the veteran, that number quickly and incredibly soared to unmaintainable heights.
Once Moore had finished his 100-lap walk, he had raised £7 million ($8.7 million), and that number only continued to grow, as did his popularity.
News of Moore’s efforts even reached the Queen herself, who knighted the veteran in July of last year.
“Thank you so much, an amazing amount of money you raised,” she told the veteran, per CNN .
On Twitter , Moore wrote of the occasion, saying “there is simply nothing that can compare to this, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy.”
On January 31, Moore’s family shared a notice to his official Twitter page informing his nearly 400,000 followers that he had been admitted to the hospital with COVID-19.
“Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for COVID-19,” Moore’s daughter, Hannah, wrote in the notice , adding that her father was “being treated in a ward, although he is not in ICU.”
“We understand that everyone will be wishing him well,” she continued. “WE are of course focusing on my father and will update you when we are able to.”
Sadly, just two days after he was hospitalized, Moore’s family announced their beloved patriarch had passed away.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore,” the family said in a statement, as per CNN .
“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. Whilst 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.”
Following Moore’s passing, flags were lowered at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Downing Street office.
“Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word,” he said in a statement . “In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country’s deepest post war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.”
Buckingham Palace has announced the Queen will be reaching out to Moore’s family privately to pass along her condolences.
On Wednesday evening, England will honor the late hero with a #clapfortom to celebrate his life and legacy.
At 6 PM, members of the public are encouraged to take part in the national clapping tribute.
In a recent tweet , Moore’s family announced they will also be taking part in the solemn event “with huge love in their hearts for their father, grandfather and father-in-law.”
h/t: CNN
