Captain Sir Tom Moore left 'lasting legacy ' on West Midlands

Captain Sir Tom Moore has left a “lasting legacy ” for the West Midlands, University Hospitals Birmingham Charity chief executive Mike Hammond has said following the tragic death of the beloved 100-year-old.

Mr Hammond is one of many leaders who have led emotional tributes to Captain Tom (pictured), who has been hailed a hero of the pandemic, after he died on Tuesday from Covid-19.

The World War Two veteran raised more than £33million for NHS Charities Together, by walking more than 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire last spring.

After his phenomenal fundraising efforts, he was knighted by the Queen in July.

Nearly a quarter of a million that Captain Tom raised has helped UHB Charity support staff and patients through the pandemic.

Mr Hammond said: “On behalf of everyone at University Hospitals Birmingham I would like to express our sadness at the news of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

“During one of the darkest times that our country has faced, Captain Sir Tom provided a source of inspiration for us all through the quiet determination that he showed to raise funds in support of the NHS.

“The incredible sums of money that he raised helped to support NHS workers, patients and families across the country, including in Birmingham and Solihull.

“Here at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity we received over a quarter of a million pounds from Captain Sir Tom 's fundraising, which we used to provide food, drink and toiletries for our staff, and wobble rooms and wellbeing hubs where they could go to take some time away from the busy wards. We also funded additional mental health support to help our staff cope with the toughest working conditions that they had ever faced.

“Captain Sir Tom 's fundraising allowed us to purchase over 500 iPads for patients, so that they could keep in touch with their loved ones whilst they were in hospital using video calls, and activity packs to keep them entertained.

“Captain Sir Tom led a remarkable life, and leaves behind him a wonderful legacy. He provided a source of hope in a difficult time, and for that we will be forever grateful. ”

Last night, thousands took part in a nationwide round of applause for Captain Tom.