UK honours memory of Captain Tom Moore with nationwide clap
Nurses, soldiers and footballers among many to pay tribute
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Your support makes all the difference.Captain Sir Tom Moore's memory has been honoured with a national clap.
People around the country took part in the tribute to the veteran at 6pm on Wednesday, following his death at the age of 100.
Captain Tom's picture was shown on the big screen at Piccadilly Circus in London, while the Blackpool Tower, Wembley Stadium and the London Eye shone lights in his honour.
The veteran's family said they were "incredibly touched" by the gesture and took part outside their home in the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire, along with neighbours.
Nurses and doctors directly involved in the care of Captain Tom joined in — some of them in a garden dedicated to Captain Tom and his wife Pamela, which opened late last year to mark his achievement raising tens of millions of pounds for NHS charities.
Prime minister Boris Johnson also joined in as did Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland, and Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Staff at Bedford Hospital, where Captain Tom died, said the centenarian was a "source of huge inspiration and pride" and announced plans to create a memorial for him.
David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Having spoken to colleagues involved in Captain Moore's care, both in the past few days and over previous years, we know he was a gentleman in person as well as a respected public figure, and he inspired them deeply.
"We'll be engaging with our staff, including those frontline care workers who have supported Tom and got to know him over the years, how best to further mark his life, commemorate him and pay permanent tribute to him at the hospital.
"Tom's family have been gracious and generous in their praise for my colleagues here at the hospital for their care, kindness and compassion for their father, which we greatly appreciate.
Additional reporting by PA
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