A Tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

Tribute

Everyone at Love Musgrove, Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore yesterday. A true hero to so many across the country, and closer to home, an individual who made such a huge impact to the lives of staff and patients at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Not only did he raise an incredible amount by doing 100 laps of his garden back in 2020, he also inspired thousands to take on their own challenges to support their local NHS Charities, including right here in Somerset, and for that the Staff here are extremely grateful.

Our Head of Fundraising Zoe Steer had this to say: “Captain Sir Tom was a beacon of hope during the dark times of the pandemic. Thanks to his amazing effort and the money he raised we have been able to support both staff and patients; we cannot thank him enough for this. He has left a lasting legacy and our thoughts are with his family”.

Ellie Orton, Chief Executive for NHS Charities Together, said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a complete inspiration to us all and he did more than anyone to raise vital funds to support NHS patients, staff and volunteers during this crisis, when help was most needed. We owe him so much and we are devastated at today’s news. Our hearts go out to his family”.

“Thanks to his amazing efforts, funds have reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities, and they have made a huge difference on the ground, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.”

Captain Sir Tom raised an incredible £33 million for NHS Charities Together, as part of their Covid-19 Emergency Appeal, and in turn that was passed down in grants to local NHS Charities just like us. Including Captain Sir Tom’s £33 million, NHS Charities Together has raised over £140 million and we have received over £200,000 to date.

Her Majesty The Queen has paid tribute to the fundraiser and sent her condolences to his family. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world.”

The 100-year-old achieved the Guinness World Record title for the most money raised through a charity walk by an individual, and broke the previous record which stood for 40 years.