Captain Sir Tom Moore funeral – Heroic war veteran gets ‘spectacular’ send-off today with tributes around country
- Amanda Holden plants tree to honour Captain Tom
- Captain Tom's daughter tears up remembering dad
CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore was given a "spectacular" send off by his family at a close knit ceremony at Bedford Crematorium today.
His family said his "message and his spirit lives on" during the heartfelt service which was attended by eight members of his close family.
Sir Tom's coffin, draped in a union flag, was carried in to the crematorium on Saturday by soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment while a Second World War-era C-47 Dakota performed a flypast.
This was followed by a firing party of 14 each firing three rounds in unison before a small service got under way.
The service was attended by Sir Tom's two daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, four grandchildren and his sons-in-law - all wearing masks.
Churches up and down the country rang their bells at midday in tribute to Captain Sir Tom, who passed away earlier this month aged 100 after contracting coronavirus.
A bugler sounded The Last Post at the end of the private service, which Captain Sir Tom's daughter, 52, described as "quite spectacular".
Sir Tom asked that My Way by Frank Sinatra is played at his funeral and that his epitaph reads ‘I told you I was old’, in reference to comedian Spike Milligan’s famous epitaph ‘I told you I was ill’.
Follow our Captain Sir Tom Moore funeral live blog below for the latest updates...
SIR TOM ASKED THAT HIS EPITAPH READS: ‘I TOLD YOU I WAS OLD’
Sir Tom passed away aged 100 at Bedford Hospital on February 2 after testing positive for Covid-19.
The war hero raised more than £32 million for the NHS with his sponsored walk of his garden in the first lockdown.
His funeral will be attended by eight members of his immediate family – his two daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, four grandchildren and his sons-in-law.
Sir Tom asked that My Way by Frank Sinatra is played at his funeral and that his epitaph reads ‘I told you I was old’, in reference to comedian Spike Milligan’s famous epitaph ‘I told you I was ill’.
The family has urged that people support the NHS by staying at home.
‘TREES FOR TOM’ INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY CAPTAIN TOM’S FAMILY
There are plans to plant trees around the world in his honour, with Ms Teixeira hoping the Trees for Tom initiative will result in a wood in his home county of Yorkshire and the reforestation of part of India, where he served during the Second World War.
Sir Tom asked that his epitaph reads: “I told you I was old”, in reference to comedian Spike Milligan’s famous epitaph: “I told you I was ill.”
Once Covid-19 restrictions permit, the family will inter Sir Tom’s ashes in Yorkshire, with his parents and grandparents in the Moore family plot.
CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE ON HIS FUNERAL
“Babies will be born. People will eventually forget about Captain Tom.
“For a while, though, I’ll be remembered for the last few years of my life rather than those that went before, a rare blessing in a world that tends to celebrate youthful endeavour.
“Previously, my funeral would have made one line in the local paper and been attended by only a handful, but I expect there’ll be a few more now.
“Someone will have to make extra cake and sandwiches, and it won’t be me. I want the service to end with My Way because I always did things my way and especially like the line about having too few regrets to mention.
CAPTAIN TOM WREATH LAID IN KEIGHLEY ON BEHALF OF QUEEN
The deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, David Pearson, has laid a wreath in Keighley – Sir Tom’s birthplace – on behalf of the Queen.
The wreath featured 200 white roses around a picture of the late record-breaking fundraiser.
Wreaths of poppies were also laid by local MP Robbie Moore and the town’s mayor and mayoress, Peter Corkindale and Clare Abberton.
Sir Tom was made an honorary freeman of Keighley last summer when he said “it really is great to be back” as he watched a plaque unveiled in his honour.
DEFENCE SECRETARY BEN WALLACE PAYS TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "In national emergencies ordinary people do extraordinary things and inspire us all to pull together to overcome adversity.
"Few will have heard of Sir Tom before this crisis but his contribution and example now lives on in us all.
"The armed forces are immensely proud to contribute to the celebration of his extraordinary life of service."
'A DULL PHYSICAL ACHE': HANNAH INGRAM MOORE WEEPS AS SHE READS CAPTAIN TOM'S EULOGY
Daughter Lucy Ingram-Moore wept as she spoke of her life with her father, who moved in with her after her mother's death.
"The loss of you is a dull physical ache for me, but the power of love you left us with allows us to stay strong," she said.
"Our relationship cannot be broken by death.
"You will be with me always."
WONDERFUL MAN
PIERS Morgan praised Captain Sir Tom Moore’s “beautiful” funeral service as the war veteran was laid to rest.
The NHS fundraising hero received his own guard of honour and a spectacular RAF flypast after he passed away earlier this month.
The TV presenter took to Twitter to pay his respects to the national treasure.
Captain Tom’s family paid heartbreaking tributes to the grandad who became known as a “beacon of life and hope for the world” during the pandemic.
I'M SO PROUD: CAPTAIN TOM'S DAUGHTER LUCY BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS
Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira fought back tears as she said her father "walked his way into the nation's hearts".
She said: "Daddy, you would always tell us 'best foot forward', and true to your word, that's just what you did last year, raising a fortune for the NHS and walking your way into the nation's hearts."
Her voice broke as she added: "I am so proud of you - what you have achieved, your whole life and especially in the last year.
"You may be gone but your message and your spirit lives on."
CAPTAIN TOM’S COFFIN CARRIED BY SIX SOLDIERS FROM YORKSHIRE REGIMENT
Captain Tom’s coffin was carried by six soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment in a family service he planned himself.
The pallbearers will be led by Regimental Sgt Maj Jamie Pearson, who was on parade last April when Capt Tom reached his original target of 100 laps of his garden.
Iraq and Afghanistan veteran RSM Pearson, 40, was also in charge of the guard of honour on Captain Tom’s 100th birthday — the day he finished his walk which raised £39million for NHS charities.
WHO IS CAPTAIN TOM’S DAUGHTER HANNAH INGRAM MOORE?
Captain Tom Moore lived with his daughter, Hannah, and his son-in-law Colin Ingram and grandchildren Benji and Georgia in the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.
She is a business recruitment officer who manages her own company Maytrix, which focuses on recruitment, brand development and training for businesses.
Hannah was the one who suggested her dad walk as a way to celebrate his big 100th birthday.
MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE SIGNED CAPTAIN TOM's BOOK OF CONDOLENCE BEFORE FUNERAL STARTED
More than 5,000 have already signed an online book of condolence.
Today, floral tributes were already beginning to appear beside the stone obelisk that marks the family plot, where Capt Tom’s parents and grandparents are buried.
One read: “RIP Captain Tom. Thank you for all you did for us in 2020.”
WORLDWIDE ‘TREES FOR TOM’ INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY CAPTAIN TOM'S FAMILY
There are plans to plant trees around the world in his honour, with Ms Teixeira hoping the Trees for Tom initiative will result in a wood in his home county of Yorkshire and the reforestation of part of India, where he served during the Second World War.
Sir Tom asked that his epitaph reads: “I told you I was old”, in reference to comedian Spike Milligan’s famous epitaph: “I told you I was ill.”
Once Covid-19 restrictions permit, the family will inter Sir Tom’s ashes in Yorkshire, with his parents and grandparents in the Moore family plot.
CAPTAIN TOM WREATH LAID IN KEIGHLEY ON BEHALF OF QUEEN
The deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, David Pearson, has laid a wreath in Keighley – Sir Tom’s birthplace – on behalf of the Queen.
The wreath featured 200 white roses around a picture of the late record-breaking fundraiser.
Wreaths of poppies were also laid by local MP Robbie Moore and the town’s mayor and mayoress, Peter Corkindale and Clare Abberton.
Sir Tom was made an honorary freeman of Keighley last summer when he said “it really is great to be back” as he watched a plaque unveiled in his honour.
FAMILY OF CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE ENJOYING TEA AND CAKE FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family said they would be enjoying tea and cake in memory of the veteran following his funeral.
A post from Sir Tom’s Twitter account said: “Today we celebrate the life of our hero.
“We will be following Captain Tom’s wishes by enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge cake. Please join us as we raise a cup to him.”
JUST SOME OF THE TRIBUTES MADE TO CAPTAIN TOM AROUND THE UK TODAY
Others paid their respects by flying their flags at half-mast, including Bedford Borough Council.
"In honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore whose funeral takes place today we are flying our flags at half mast. Rest in peace Sir Tom," the council tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Arnold family from Hull filled their window with flags and pictures of Sir Tom.
"Me and my family did this yesterday, in honour of Captain Tom!" @Kupokuponut tweeted. "He was so truly inspirational to us all. I hope you get to see this. We're all thinking of you today".
Sir Tom's family paid tribute to him during the funeral, saying his "message and his spirit lives on".
CAPTAIN TOM WAS HONOURED WITH CHURCH BELLS AND HOMEMADE TRIBUTES TODAY
Homemade tributes displayed in windows, flags flying at half mast and bell-ringing at churches were among the ways people across the UK paid their respects to Captain Sir Tom Moore on the day of his funeral.
With pandemic rules restricting the ceremony on Saturday to eight members of Sir Tom's immediate family, the public were urged to find other ways to pay tribute to the charity fundraiser.
Alfie McAnespie, 13, rang the bell 100 times at a church in Chicksands, Bedfordshire, at midday on Saturday in Sir Tom's honour.
"I was able to ring the local church bell today 100 times (to) mark the life of the 100-year-old who inspired the nation," he tweeted.
Gloucester's city police Twitter account also shared a video of Gloucester Cathedral's bells being rung in tribute to the Second World War veteran.
CAPTAIN TOM'S COFFIN CARRIED BY SIX SOLDIERS FROM YORKSHIRE REGIMENT
Captain Tom's coffin was carried by six soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment in a family service he planned himself.
The pallbearers will be led by Regimental Sgt Maj Jamie Pearson, who was on parade last April when Capt Tom reached his original target of 100 laps of his garden.
Iraq and Afghanistan veteran RSM Pearson, 40, was also in charge of the guard of honour on Captain Tom’s 100th birthday — the day he finished his walk which raised £39million for NHS charities.
CAPTAIN TOM GETS HIS VERY OWN GUARD OF HONOUR
NHS fundraising hero Captain Sir Tom Moore will rest in peace with his very own guard of honour.
His ashes will be watched over by the statue of a soldier following his funeral today.
The military memorial for 22 soldiers who died in World War One overlooks the family plot.
WHO IS CAPTAIN TOM MOORE'S DAUGHTER LUCY TEIXEIRA?
Tom is also a dad to daughter Lucy Teixeira who is based in Reading.
She is a mum of two and started to work in homeopathy after the death of her mother in 2006.
According to her website her business specialises in “energetically rebalancing the body”.
After her father’s incredible achievement, Lucy said she “just can’t believe what has happened”.
She told BBC: “My heart is bursting. Well done, Daddy.
“I’m having to get used to the thought of sharing you with millions and millions of people.”
WHO IS CAPTAIN TOM'S DAUGHTER HANNAH INGRAM MOORE?
Captain Tom Moore lived with his daughter, Hannah, and his son-in-law Colin Ingram and grandchildren Benji and Georgia in the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.
She is a business recruitment officer who manages her own company Maytrix, which focuses on recruitment, brand development and training for businesses.
Hannah was the one who suggested her dad walk as a way to celebrate his big 100th birthday.
WATCH: CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE RECEIVES GUARD OF HONOUR AND RAF FLYPAST AT FUNERAL PROCESSION
Captain Sir Tom Moore receives guard of honour and RAF flypast at NHS fundraising hero’s funeral procession
PLANS TO LAUNCH 'TREES FOR TOM' INITIATIVE AROUND THE GLOBE
There are plans to plant trees around the world in his honour, with Ms Teixeira hoping the Trees for Tom initiative will result in a wood in his home county of Yorkshire and the reforestation of part of India, where he served during the Second World War.
Sir Tom asked that his epitaph reads: "I told you I was old", in reference to comedian Spike Milligan's famous epitaph: "I told you I was ill."
Once Covid-19 restrictions permit, the family will inter Sir Tom's ashes in Yorkshire, with his parents and grandparents in the Moore family plot.
NUMBER OF SPECIAL ITEMS PLACED ON TOP OF CAPTAIN SIR TOM'S COFFIN FOR SERVICE
A number of special items were placed on Sir Tom's coffin, including a replica of his service cap from the Second World War, a wreath from the Yorkshire Regiment, his campaign medals, including the Burma Star, and his knighthood medal stitched on to a cushion.
There was also a specially-commissioned sword engraved with the motto of the Yorkshire Regiment on one side - "Fortune favours the brave" - and his own personal motto, "Tomorrow will be a good day", on the other.
BREAKING: CAPTAIN TOM'S FAMILY 'ENJOYING TEA AND CAKE' FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Captain Sir Tom Moore's family said they would be enjoying tea and cake in memory of the veteran following his funeral.
A post from Sir Tom's Twitter account said: "Today we celebrate the life of our hero.
"We will be following Captain Tom's wishes by enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge cake. Please join us as we raise a cup to him."
CAPTAIN TOM INSPIRED A NATION, SAYS VETERANS MINISTER JOHNNY MERCER
By Johnny Mercer, Veterans Minister
Captain Sir Tom Moore was justly proud to his last day of his service with the Yorkshire Regiment.
He was among those veterans who stood and served again in this trying time — one of the band of brothers who never lost their spirit of service and ingrained desire to do their bit for Queen and country.
He showed us what we can achieve by ourselves and how much more we can accomplish together.
He symbolised steadfast, tireless public servants, NHS workers, military personnel and the multitudes who have kept our country going.
When our spirits were low this stoic veteran radiated hope. Captain Tom, you inspired a nation.