City
Epaper

UK pandemic fundraising hero Tom Moore dies with coronavirus

By IANS | Updated: February 3, 2021 07:50 IST

London, Feb 3 The 100-year-old British army veteran, who raised millions of pounds to help Britain's health service ...

Open in App

London, Feb 3 The 100-year-old British army veteran, who raised millions of pounds to help Britain's health service in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic last year, passed away with coronavirus in hospital.

In a statement confirming his death on Tuesday, his daughters said that he had been suffering from pneumonia during the past weeks and tested positive for Covid-19, Xinhua news agency reported.

He had been taken to hospital in Bedfordshire, east England, when he needed help with his breathing at the weekend. His family said they were with him on Monday night during the last hours of his life.

"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," said the family statement.

Moore, who turned 100 last April, raised more than 32 million pounds (about US $43.65 million) for Britian's National Health Service by walking 100 laps around his garden during the country's first Covid-19 lockdown last year.

His fundraising efforts won the country's hearts and he was knighted by the Queen in July.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Tuesday that the Queen sent private message of condolence to Moore's family. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also sent his condolences to the family.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was one of the first senior British officials to pay tribute to the pensioner hero, saying on his social media site: "I'm so sorry to hear that Captain Tom has passed away in hospital. He was a great British hero that showed the best of our country and I send my best wishes to his family at this time."

Number 10 Downing Street will lower the flag to half mast in tribute to him, reported the BBC.

Moore passed away as the total number of coronavirus cases in the country stood at 3,852,623 on Tuesday. The anti-Covid fight he backed last year is still going on in Britain.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

( With inputs from IANS )

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: BuckinghamshireFebLondonXinhuaBoris JohnsonMatt HancockPremier of saState for health and social care matt hancockAdministrative capital
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketChris Woakes Walks Out to Bat with Sling On as England Lose Ninth Wicket on Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test (Watch Video)

CricketENG vs IND 5th Test Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Day 5 of England vs India at Oval in London?

CricketENG vs IND 5th Test Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Day 3 of England vs India at Oval in London? (VIDEO)

CricketENG vs IND 5th Test Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Day 2 of England vs India at Oval in London?

EntertainmentRakul Preet Singh Jets Off to London for Final Schedule of De De Pyaar De 2

Health Realted Stories

HealthK’taka defends Jan Aushadhi Centre shut down at govt hospitals

HealthNearly $30 billion in Indian exports secure from Trump's 50 pc tariff so far

HealthCentre admits medical isotopes shortage; MP Beniwal raises issue in LS

HealthNew Zealand sends aid to Samoa amid deadly dengue outbreak

HealthMadhya Pradesh: Burhanpur health officials working to make India free from 'Sickle Cell Anaemia' by 2047