'Stand easy Captain Tom' - Tributes from Hartlepool come in for inspirational figure of pandemic

Tributes from people and organisations in Hartlepool have been paid following the death of inspirational NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore described as a ‘shining light’.
By Mark Payne
Published 2nd Feb 2021, 17:31 BST
Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32 million for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Photo: Getty Images.Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32 million for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Photo: Getty Images.
Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32 million for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Photo: Getty Images.

The family of Captain Tom, from Bedfordshire, announced on Tuesday afternoon he had passed away after battling pneumonia and testing positive for coronavirus.

Hartlepool Borough Council Leader Cllr Shane Moore took to social media shortly after the news broke and said: “What a terribly sad day.

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"Stand easy #CaptainTomMoore and thank you for your service.”

Hartlepool Borough Council leader Shane MooreHartlepool Borough Council leader Shane Moore
Hartlepool Borough Council leader Shane Moore

Captain Tom was knighted after raising over £30million for the NHS by walking laps around the garden of his nursing home during the first lockdown last year.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the University Hospital of Hartlepool, and University Hospital of North Tees, said it was saddened to hear of his passing.

The organisation said: “This incredible gentleman’s indomitable spirit during is legendary NHS fundraising exploits will go down in history.

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"In the midst of the darkest time most of us will ever experience, Captain Sir Tom Moore was a rare, much needed shining light.

“A light that will never be extinguished in our memories and in our hearts.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also paid tribute on social media saying: “Awful, awful news.

“Rest in peace Captain Tom, you will always be in our hearts.”

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Colin Harrison wrote on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page: “Heartbreaking news to lose a real hero and genuine man of the people.”

Another reader, Patricia Richardson, said: “Rest in peace Sir Tom condolences to your family.”

A number of other people posted pictures of candles for him.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “Captain Tom was an all-round great human, who spent his last year alive giving us all hope and achieving what some could only dream of. He will be missed.”

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The Bradley Lowery Foundation also paid tribute saying: “This man not only raised millions for our amazing NHS charities, he proved that no matter what age you are, you can accomplish anything.

"RIP Sir Tom. Fly high with the angels.”

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Related topics:Tom MooreNHSHartlepool