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HERO'S SEND OFF
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral will take place on Saturday – as family ask well-wishers to ‘stay at home’
CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore’s funeral will take place this Saturday close to his family's home in Bedfordshire.
He will be given military honours at the service, which is being attended by eight of his family.
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The Second World War veteran passed away on February 2 aged 100 after contracting Covid-19.
His family worked closely with Bedfordshire police ahead of announcing the details of his funeral in a bid to stop well-wishers from gathering.
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.
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“We have been contacted by so many people asking what they can do to honour our father, so we have set up an online book of condolence. People can also donate The Captain Tom Foundation, plant a tree in his memory or donate to a charity of your choice.
“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.”
The book of condolence for Sir Tom can be found .
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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.
Floral tributes laid for Captain Sir Tom Moore outside his home after hero dies aged 100
A family friend told The Sun: “Captain’s Tom family have been aided by the police in how they would announce the date of his funeral as the last thing they want is for anyone to put themselves at risk.
“They know a lot of people will want to pay their respects to him and they ask it is done safely.
“The ceremony, in line with Covid-19 restrictions, will be an intimate, family send off and will pay tribute to all he achieved in his life.”
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Sir Tom set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday last April – but his efforts struck a chord with the nation and donations flooded in, resulting in a mammoth fundraising total of more than £32 million.
His memory was honoured with a national clap led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and charities helped by Sir Tom said they will ensure his legacy will live on for “years and years”.
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Sir Tom’s work was recognised by The Queen and he was knighted in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in July.
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Following his death, Buckingham Palace released a statement which read: “Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt 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.”
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