Captain Tom a national hero dead but not forgotten.

A photo of Wikipedia image of Captain Tom (30 April 1920 – 2 February 2021) RIP

I felt obliged to write this post as I fear that many youth my age may not truly realise what an inspiring man Captain Tom is.  Many of us are embroiled in studying for GCSE's or A Levels and simply have not had the time to absorb the many news stories of this hero's exploits. 

If nothing else when my compatriots are older, they may finally reflect on what a great loss the passing of Captain Tom has been. Especially, as his death is so close to our escape from the deadly coronavirus that he challenged us to bravely overcome. When we all get through this nightmare it is his absence which will be remembered most.

On Thursday 3rd February the nation was hit with the sad news of  the death of Captain Sir Thomas Moore. Initially diagnosed with pneumonia he was later also diagnosed with COVID-19.

His contribution to Britain has rarely been matched and now our country mourns a national hero.

Most of us did not know much about him, till stories began to emerge earlier this year about his desire to walk one hundred laps of his 25ft garden to raise funds for the National Health Service (NHS).  

The walk coincided with his hundredth birthday and of course the pressure on our hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the completion of his crowd fund on 30th April - his birthday - he had raised £32.79m.  This figure is quite amazing when you consider his initial target was £1000. Though many would argue that his completion of the 100 laps at the the age of 100 using a walking-frame was no mean feat too.

He won a Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and sang You'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball and an NHS Choir. The single was released and later made No.1 in the UK charts making Captain Tom the oldest singer to top the charts and raised more money for the NHS.

But to just focus on this part of his life would be of great detriment to this legends contribution to our country.  Especially when you consider his contribution to the war effort during the Second World War. I only recently discovered that Captain Tom fought through a regiment known as The Forgotten Army a multinational force that were overlooked by mainstream media (focused on battles in Europe) - undermining a really important contribution to the Allied Forces victory.  Based in Burma he contracted and survived Dengue Fever a real testament to his fortitude.

The fact that he fought in Burma and Sumatra with the the British Army is fascinating, his comrades would have included Indian regiments. His life reminds us all of the combined global effort to destroy the evil of Nazism and racism a battle that continues today. 

I was moved by his efforts to instil confidence within all Britons and wrote this post in eulogy to one of our oldest and finest former citizens. 

Captain Tom, once said:  "We will get through it in the end but it might take time, but at the end of the day we shall all be OK again… the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away."

I have no doubt that his sentiments are true but feel some sadness that he will not be with us when we finally escape the threat of COVID-19.  What is true is that he has inspired a nation when at it's lowest point and the funds he raised will save millions.  What a wonderful legacy he leaves - truly a man to be admired.  

Rest in peace Captain Tom Britain thanks you for your gift of hope and love.

he NHS Voices of Care Choir (here)

You can watch Captain Tom complete his famous walk and receive his Helen Rollason Award (here)

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