'Thank You Captain Tom:' Tributes flood in to NHS hero who died this week

‘You are the best of us and what we aspire to be,’ tweeted Sheffield Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, adding: ‘Our thoughts are with all your family. Stand down sir, your duty is done #hero #CaptainTom From all of Training Ship Sheffield.’

@SamJen79 said: ‘Captain Tom has been an inspriation to so many over this last year, from all over the world. He will be sorely missed. Sending love from Sheffield. #thankyoucaptaintom’

The Yorkshire-born man became a household name last spring, after raising nearly £33m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden, to mark his 100th birthday.

He was admitted to hospital at the weekend after testing positive for coronavirus, and reportedly struggling to breathe.

He died on February 2.

@Alex_60621 tweeted @FirstSouthYorks, saying: ‘I thought it would be a nice gesture to name one of your recently repainted buses in Sheffield and Doncaster after Sir Captain Tom,’ to which @FirstSouthYorks replied: ‘Hi Alex, thank you very much for your suggestion! I will certainly feed this back to our team.’

The Union Flag has been raised at half-mast today at Sheffield Town Hall in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was knighted by the Queen in July.

A statement on the council’s website read: ‘Sheffield City Council joins organisations across the country in paying their respects to the 100-year-old war veteran, in recognition of his fantastic achievements for the NHS and dedication to his country.’

Coun Bob Johnson, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a true inspiration to all of us in Sheffield and a light in the darkness of the pandemic.

"His determination to raise money for the NHS before his 100th birthday was a remarkable feat and it’s testament to the impact he had on people across the country that he raised millions of pounds in donations, by far exceeding his initial target.

"Captain Sir Tom’s achievements are a reminder to us all of the power in working together to reach a common goal, as the people of Sheffield continue to do through the Covid-19 crisis.

“Raising the Town Hall flag at half-mast is our way of honouring Captain Sir Tom and celebrating his extraordinary life, and I’d like to invite everyone to share in remembering Captain Sir Tom today.

"My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends at this sad time.”

More messages shared on The Star’s Facebook page read: ‘Just so very sad and heart breaking. A true legend you moved the nation and you will always be remembered by many for what you have done.’

‘RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore, you will be truly missed by all. You was such an inspiration to us all. Fly high with the angels.’

‘A true legend that will live on in everyone’s heart.’

‘What a wonderful man a man who helped the nation to understand how to help everyone in our country he will be missed condolences to his family. RIP Captain Tom.’

‘Stand down Captain Sir Tom Moore, we’ll take it from here. You have fulfilled your duties.’