Captain Tom Moore: Veteran Who Raised Millions for NHS Dies of Covid-19
- As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, World War II veteran devised a way to help fund UK's National Health Service
- By pledging to walk 100 laps around his garden every day, he managed to raise a whopping $45 million (R672 million)
- The good deed not only turned Moore into a global sensation but also got him knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
- At the time of his death, he was aged 100 years
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Tom Moore, the World War II veteran who gained global recognition and love for helping raise $45 million (R672 million) to help UK's National Health Service fight against COVID-19, succumbed to the virus on Tuesday 2, 2021.
Source: UGC
He achieved the feat in April 2020 by pledging to walk 100 laps around his garden despite depending on a walking frame with wheels to move since breaking his hip.
His initial goal was to raise £1,000 (R20 400), but word went around so fast that he quickly surpassed the figure and raked in millions.
The good deed not only turned Moore into a global sensation but also got him knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
The outdoor event that added the title of 'Sir' to his name took place on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the Windsor Castle.
"I am absolutely thrilled Her Majesty has decided – or chosen poor little me. It really is a great honour and something I never, ever anticipated," Moore said at his knighting.
His name was also entered into the Guinness Book of World Records holding the title for the most money raised by an individual through a walk.
Captain Moore, as he is affectionately called, was hospitalized on Sunday January 31 with breathing difficulties and was later confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Despite being the COVID-19 hero, he could not receive medication for the same because he was still undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore," read part of the statement from his family as they announced his demise.
Funeral and burial plans for the centenarian are yet to be communicated.
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Source: Briefly News
Stefan Mack (Editor) Stefan Mack is an English and history teacher who has broadened his horizons with journalism. He enjoys experiencing the human condition through the world's media. Stefan keeps Briefly News' readers entertained during the weekend. He graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2010 with a Bachelor of Education (BEd), majoring in History and English. Stefan has been writing for Briefly News for a number of years and has covered mainstream to human interest articles.
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