Become a hero for the British for raising a record sum for caregivers during the first lockdown, World War II veteran Tom Moore died on Tuesday at the age of 100, after being tested positive for COVID-19 , announced his family.
• Read also: All the developments of the pandemic
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Captain Tom Moore,” his daughters Hannah and Lucie said in a statement, saying they were “grateful to have been by his side during the last hours. of his life “.
Then 99 years old, this veteran of the Second World War had set as a modest goal during the first confinement to raise 1000 pounds (about $ 1500) to help the public health service (NHS) overwhelmed by the sick of the virus, committing to travel before his hundredth birthday a hundred lengths of his garden, in the south of England.
Small bubble of lightness in the middle of a gloomy year, the image of the veteran leaning over his walker and advancing at all costs had galvanized the British and their feeling of gratitude towards caregivers.
“The last year of our father’s life has been nothing short of remarkable. He got younger and lived things he never dreamed of, ”his daughters added.
His feat raised him to the rank of celebrity, Queen Elizabeth even coming out of confinement to knight him, during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
“The hearts of the Queen and the Royal Family are with the family of Captain Tom Moore,” to whom she will send a private message of condolence, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said he was “deeply saddened by the news” of his death. “He was an amazing man who inspired and boosted morale across the nation,” he said in a tweet.
“This is incredibly sad news. The UK has just lost a hero, “praised Labor opposition leader Keir Starmer, hailing a figure who” put others first in the midst of a national crisis, becoming a beacon of hope for millions of people. people ”.