'LEGACY LIVES ON'
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s daughter Hannah tears up as she remembers her dad as a ‘beacon of hope’ before his funeral
CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore’s daughter Hannah teared up as she remembered her dad as a "beacon of hope" before his funeral.
The Second World War veteran's funeral will take place this Saturday close to his family's home in Bedfordshire.
4
He passed away on February 2 aged 100 after contracting Covid-19 - he will be given military honours at the service, which is being attended by eight of his family.
His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore became emotional as she discussed his death and told viewers on Good Morning Britain that they had lost "a fifth of their family."
A tearful Hannah said: "It's really difficult we have lost a fifth of our family, it's really hard to say it. It makes me feel really emotional to say it because he was part of our life. What an extraordinary man."
She went on to thank the public for their kindness and support that they had given Sir Tom and his family over the past year.
4
She added: "Firstly I want to say thank you to Piers and Susanna and to everyone who's watching for the incredible support you gave the entire family over the last year."
"What a journey we've been on and what a beacon of light and hope he became to the world.
"We miss him terribly but we know that his legacy lives on."
His family worked closely with Bedfordshire police ahead of announcing the details of his funeral in a bid to stop well-wishers from gathering.
4
In a statement confirming the news, they called upon the public to stay at home to pay their respects.
It read: “Over the past year our father spoke openly about his death and his funeral, and had wondered out-loud if perhaps the interest in him over the last 12 months would mean we would need to have more Victoria Sponge cakes available for the extra guests.
“Sadly, like so many other families affected by the pandemic, we have no choice but to hold a small family funeral, which will take place this Saturday.
"Whilst we understand so many people wish to pay their respects to our father, we ask that the public and the press continue to support the NHS by staying at home."
4
Most read in Celebrity
“In the last few months of his life, our father had spent many enjoyable hours writing a book he chose to call Captain Tom’s Life Lessons, which he planned to release just before his 101st birthday. Sadly, he’ll never get to share this with you personally.
“The final chapter is so poignant and reading it brings us so much comfort and warmth, so we share the last chapter now as a thank you, from our father Tom and us as a family, for the love and kindness The Nation and the world have shown him.”
Parts of the funeral will be filmed by the BBC so those who supported Sir Tom can be part of the ceremony, which is being attended by his two daughters, Hannah and Lucy, his four grandchildren and his sons-in-laws.
Once Covid-19 restrictions permit, the family will intern Sir Tom’s ashes in Yorkshire, where he will rest with his parents and grandparents in the Moore family plot.
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral will take place on Saturday
Topics