The charity sector has paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who has died with coronavirus.
The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities, died at Bedford Hospital on Tuesday, two days after being admitted.
NHS Charities Together has paid tribute to the fundraiser, and said that as a result of his efforts, the charity has been able to provide much needed bereavement support for those who have tragically lost loved ones to Covid-19, though its member charities.
Other projects have helped isolated patients in hospital and supported the emotional and practical needs of staff. In total its Covid-19 appeal raised £150m. Over £110m has been made available to its 241 member charities.
NHS Charities Together: 'He showed NHS patients and staff who were struggling that people cared'
Ellie Orton, chief executive for NHS Charities Together, said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a complete inspiration to us all and he did more than anyone to raise vital funds to support NHS patients, staff and volunteers during this crisis, when help was most needed. We owe him so much and we are devastated at today’s news. Our hearts go out to his family.
“Thanks to his amazing efforts, funds have reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities, and they have made a huge difference on the ground, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.
“Captain Sir Tom inspired so many people to take on their own extraordinary challenges, from running marathons to swimming lakes, and he gave us all hope. He showed NHS patients and staff who were struggling that people cared, that they were looking out for them and doing what they could to support them.
“Captain Sir Tom was a one-off and he leaves the world a better place. It has been a complete privilege to be associated with him. His legacy will be felt for years to come by all of our NHS charities and the patients, staff and volunteers we support. When the time is right, we will put together a suitable tribute to Captain Sir Tom, in honour of everything he did for NHS charities.
“Thank you, Captain Sir Tom. We will miss you and we won’t ever forget you. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Captain Tom Foundation
The Royal British Legion, Helen & Douglas House, Willen Hospice, and Mind are the charities being supported by the Captain Tom Foundation.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“Captain Sir Tom has inspired a nation with his positivity and determination to make a difference, and he has helped to bring us all together at a time when we needed it most. This spirit and hope for the future has become embodied in the Captain Tom Foundation that he and his family set up, helping those in need, especially in these unbelievably difficult times. It was a privilege to meet him at the launch of the Foundation last year, and we at Mind are honoured to be a part of its work and Captain Sir Tom’s legacy.”
A statement from The Royal British Legion reads: “Everyone at the Royal British Legion is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
“He epitomised the indomitable spirit of our wartime generation and was a true inspiration to millions of people worldwide during some of the most challenging of times in recent history, bringing the nation together in celebration of his fundraising efforts. Sir Tom will be remembered as a shining beacon of hope in what was a difficult year for all.
“His achievements during his military service in the Second World War and his more recent accomplishments, raising millions for the NHS and establishing The Captain Tom Foundation, means that his legacy will live on and help many generations to come.”
Willen Hospice tweeted:
Our thoughts are with the family of @captaintommoore, a true hero. His message of hope inspired fundraisers around the world. We are so proud to be one of the charities supported by his wonderful Foundation. His legacy will live on through his family and their work 💙#RIPTom pic.twitter.com/3HR8cit72S
— Willen Hospice (@willenhospice) February 2, 2021
As did Helen & Douglas House:
We are so very sad that Captain Sir Tom has died and our thoughts are with his family. He was an inspiration and united the nation to give us hope when it was needed most.
— Helen & Douglas House (@HelenAndDouglas) February 2, 2021
His legacy will live on and he will be missed by us all. #CaptainTomMoore #CaptainTom pic.twitter.com/1mXvDqtm04
Infrastructure bodies
Umbrella bodies across the charitable sector have also paid tribute.
On behalf of everyone at @CIoFtweets, we want to pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, champion fundraiser who inspired the nation with his 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS.
— Chartered Institute of Fundraising (@CIOFtweets) February 2, 2021
Thank you for your legacy of inspirational fundraising in the most difficult times. https://t.co/VnKCRQESMx
Everyone at ACEVO is incredibly sad to hear the news that Captain Sir Tom Moore has passed away. His achievements and legacy are extraordinary. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends.
— ACEVO (@ACEVO) February 2, 2021
The Queen has paid tribute to the fundraiser and sent her condolences to his family.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. 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.”
The 100-year-old achieved the Guinness World Record title for the most money raised through a charity walk by an individual, and broke the previous record which stood for 40 years.
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