Milton Keynes Mayor pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

The Mayor led the daily briefing on his Facebook page with a tribute to Sir Tom, the post read: "Among so many other accolades, Captain Sir Tom Moore has been branded a hero, a true gentleman and an inspiration to a nation. All are so very true.

"The word legend is sometimes over used, in this instance it’s almost inadequate to describe how, in the face of national tragedy, one man set out to make a difference. And boy did he make a difference. It went far deeper than the £33m raised for different NHS charities (and we're fortunate here in MK that some of that money has come here to benefit us).

"It went into the hearts and homes of almost every person in the United Kingdom and way beyond! That simple message that random acts of kindness and generosity can make such a difference.This was designed to be something small and modest but, thanks to media interest, it became something much much bigger."

The Captain's decision to raise money for the NHS by walking laps of his garden last April started out as one 99-year-old's attempt to raise £1,000 for the NHS, before turning into a staggering £33 million fundraiser.

The post continued: "His legacy will undoubtedly be huge amounts of money raised, but moreover the fact that he inspired us as a nation to repeat those random acts of kindness and generosity of spirit to those around us. He demonstrated in huge measure that example of love that the Greek language calls “Agape” a love that always desires the best for others even if it is at some cost to ones self. He did it all with graciousness and humility. Rest in Peace Captain Tom, your legacy is one which will be at the very forefront of people’s lives for a generation."

Sir Tom Died at the age of 100 on Tuesday (February 2) in Bedford Hospital after contracting the coronavirus.