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Keighley's Captain Sir Tom Moore dies aged 100

Tuesday, 2 February 2021 16:10

The family of Keighley-born Captain Sir Tom Moore say he has passed away after being treated in hospital for pneumonia and Covid-19.

Earlier this week it was announced that Captain Sir Tom had been admitted to Bedford Hospital after needing additional help with his breathing.

His daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.

"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.

"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."

100-year old Captain Sir Tom was born in Keighley in April 1920. His fundraising efforts captured the hearts of the nation last year when he raised more than £30m for NHS charities through a sponsored 100-lap walk of his garden.

He was given the freedom of the town by Keighley Town Council last summer and a large sign reading 'Capt Tom Keighley Lad' was put up on North Street in the land where Keighley College used to be. The sign - originally only planned as a temporary tribute to Captain Sir Tom's fundraising effort - was removed in December. 

Book of condolence

An online book of condolence has been opened by Keighley Town Council. Comments will be published on the council's website.

Link: Sign the book of condolence

Reaction

Keighley & Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “Keighley has lost one of its finest today, and I know people right across our town, and the whole of Yorkshire will be sending their sympathy, love and best wishes to his daughters Hannah and Lucy, as well as the whole family.

“Captain Sir Tom Moore had a remarkable life, and was an inspiration to us all. He brought the whole country together during our dark times and showed his true Yorkshire grit and determination to raise over £30 million for our incredible NHS. Keighley is exceptionally proud of Captain Sir Tom and his memory will no doubt live on for decades to come.”

Keighley Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Corkindale said: "I am deeply sorry to hear of the death of Honorary Freeman of Keighley Capt. Sir Tom Moore. On behalf of the people of Keighley and the entire Council I offer our deepest condolences to Sir Tom’s family. I had the honour of welcoming Sir Tom and his family to Keighley last July when he was awarded Freeman of the Town in recognition of his outstanding fundraising efforts. At the time I said Sir Tom had lifted the hearts of the nation at a time when it was most needed and even though he is no longer with us, I have no doubt his legacy and impact on the country will live on.

"As a mark of respect I have asked for the flags in the Town Hall Square to be lowered to half mast. The Town Council will also open a virtual Book of Condolence on the Council website. The messages will be published daily for all to see. For anyone wishing to leave flowers, space will be available on the grass around Sir Tom’s plaque in the Town Hall Square."

Bradford Council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: "So so sorry to see this terrible news about a hero of the pandemic. Proud that he was a Keighley lad and inspired a nation. Condolences to his family."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. 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. It is quite astonishing that at the age of 100 he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us through the pandemic.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Doreen Lee said: “I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom. We have lost a shining beacon of selflessness and a proud son of the district. What he did to raise nearly £33m for the NHS charity was both remarkable and inspirational.  Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: In national emergencies ordinary people do extraordinary things and inspire us all to pull together to overcome adversity. Few will have heard of Capt Sir Tom before this crisis but his contribution and example now live on in us all."

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab sad: Deeply saddened by the news of Sir Captain Tom Moore’s death. He was a quite extraordinary individual who inspired and boosted the morale of the whole nation. My thoughts are with his family who can be proud of everything he achieved."

 

 

 

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