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Feb 2021

Last Updated: 02/02/2021

Health

Tributes paid to fundraising army captain and honorary Harrogate colonel

by Vicky Carr

| 02 Feb, 2021

Captain Sir Tom Moore was the guest of honour at a virtual opening of the NHS Nightingale in Harrogate last April, in recognition of his fundraising work. He was then made an honorary colonel at Harrogate Army Foundation College.

Captain Tom Moore visited Harrogate Army Foundation College last summer

The former Army captain who opened the NHS Nightingale hospital in Harrogate has died aged 100, his family has announced.

Captain Sir Tom Moore was the guest of honour at a virtual opening of the facility last April, in recognition of his fundraising work.

He raised almost £33m for NHS Charities Together by walking lengths of his garden in Bedfordshire, hitting the headlines in the process.

Having been raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Captain Sir Tom was made an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate last spring. He later visited the college to speak to junior soldiers and was invited back for their graduation in September.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts, the college said:

"It is such sad news to find out about the death of Sir Tom Moore, our honorary Colonel, and a great inspiration to all at the Army Foundation College. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time and our support is always here if they want it."

His family confirmed his death today on his Twitter account. He had been taken into hospital on Sunday, after being diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for covid last week.

https://twitter.com/captaintommoore/status/1356634749339590657?s=20

Tributes poured in from across the UK and beyond as soon as the news was announced.

The Captain Tom Foundation, set up to continue his legacy, issued a statement to its "founder and inspiration":

"Captain Tom’s actions inspired people across the world and he was extremely honoured that the foundation might inspire a new generation of Captain Toms. We can all make a difference and through our continued work we will aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy.

"Whilst we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and will be forever grateful for his optimistic philosophy and wonderful spirit."

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "RIP. A true British hero."

Watch now:

Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital

Harrogate Army Foundation College welcomes Colonel Tom Moore as a ‘phenomenal' role model