British WWII veteran dies after contracting epidemic to raise funds for fight against new crown; Queen’s PM sends condolences

British World War II veteran Sir Tom Moore was pronounced dead by his Family on Feb. 2 at the age of 100 after being hospitalized for several days for treatment of a new coronavirus. Moore’s decision to walk in his garden at the age of 99 last April to raise money for the fight against the Epidemic gained widespread attention, and eventually helped the NHS raise more than 32.79 million pounds through his appeal and the support of 1.5 million participants.

Moore’s daughter Hannah announced via Twitter on January 31 that her father, who had been treated for pneumonia in the previous weeks, was confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus last week and was admitted to hospital on the same day. The message said he was unable to be vaccinated because he was being treated with other pneumonia medications. According to the latest news, Moore unfortunately passed away on Tuesday due to Newcastle pneumonia. Moore’s daughters said they “shared laughter and tears” with their father during their last hours with him. In announcing Moore’s death, they said that the last year of her father’s Life was “simply remarkable”.

In response, Queen Elizabeth II led a tribute to Moore, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said. “Her Majesty thoroughly enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor Castle last year. Her thoughts and those of the royal family are with them, recognizing the inspiration he provided to others throughout the country and around the world.” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said through a statement, “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. He fought for freedom in the dark days of World War II, he united us all in the face of this country’s deepest post-war crisis, he lifted us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.”

According to Johnson, “He became not only an inspiration to a nation, but a beacon of hope to the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family.” The British flag above 10 Downing Street has been flown at half-mast in respect, and Johnson has spoken with Moore’s family to offer his condolences.

Originally from Killileigh, West Yorkshire, 100-year-old veteran Moore joined the army at the beginning of World War II and served in the Indian and Burma theaters. During the first closure of the city last year due to the epidemic, the Army veteran won the esteem of the British nation by walking 100 laps in the garden of his Home in Bedfordshire to raise money for the NHS. He was knighted by the Queen at a special ceremony at Windsor Castle last July.

Moore’s initial goal was to raise £1,000 for NHS England charities by walking 25 meters in his own garden. But he eventually raised more than £32,790,000 from more than 1.5 million supporters and was honored with the title of colonel on his 100th birthday. In a statement, Moore’s daughters said, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father. We spent hours talking with him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together. The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he could only dream of.” The statement said, “Although his Time in the hearts of many was short, he was an incredible father and grandfather who will live on in our hearts forever.”