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Britain's 'Captain Tom' dies of coronavirus

February 2, 2021

During the early days of the pandemic last spring, the World War II veteran became famous for walking around his garden in a bid to raise money for UK health care workers.

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Tom Moore wears his medals
Captain Tom rose to fame at the start of the pandemic for is efforts to raise money for Britain's NHSImage: AFP/J. Tallis

Tom Moore, better known as "Captain Tom," died of COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, his family said.

The 100-year-old World War II veteran became popular in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

While in lockdown, Moore decided to raise £1,000 (€1,140, $1,365) for the country's health care workers by walking 100 laps in his backyard. The gesture went viral and donations poured in from Britain and around the world.

Moore eventually raised £33 million and became an overnight sensation, and was featured in newspapers and TV interviews.

Moore's family announced his death on Twitter.

"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,'' the family statement said.

Moore had been fighting prostate and skin cancer over the last five years, according to his relatives. He was not vaccinated against COVID-19 due to the medications he was taking.

A captain and a knight

Captain Tom amused and inspired his fans during the early phase of the lockdown with videos of his walks.

"Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day,'" he said during one of his walks. The words became something of a catchphrase.

Flowers to remember Captain Sir Tom Moore
Flowers were placed near Tom Moore's home in Marston Moretaine, southern England, along with a large plaque to give thanks to the Captain's achievementsImage: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo/picture alliance

Moore was honored with a military guard when he finished his 100th lap on April 16 last year. Later, on his birthday, two World War II-era fighter planes flew overhead in tribute. In July, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

The queen will send a private message of condolence to the family, Buckingham Palace has said. "Her thoughts are with the family, recognizing the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world," said a statement.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world," said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Piccadilly Circus remembers Captain Sir Tom Moore
Piccadilly Circus pays tribute to Sir Tom with the words "The Nation Salutes You"Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire/picture alliance

By Tuesday night, several monuments around the country had been lit in honor of Moore, including Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and Piccadilly Circus.

Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium, the home of England's national football team, honored Captain Tom by lighting up its arc in the colors of the England flagImage: Amanda Rose/Avalon/Photoshot/picture alliance

Championship side Millwall held a minute's applause before Tuesday's football match against Norwich City to mark Captain Tom's passing.

London Eye, Captain Sir Tom Moore remembered
The London Eye is lit up with the colors of the British flag to remember the Captain who raised around £33 million for the NHS in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemicImage: Aaron Crown/PA Wire/picture alliance

bj, jsi/dj (Reuters, AFP, dpa)