Emotional evening as Northampton stops to remember Captain Sir Tom Moore

Following the announcement of his passing yesterday, the Prime Minister encouraged the country to take part in a nationwide clap in the heroic veteran’s honour.
By Megan Hillery
Published 3rd Feb 2021, 20:43 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2021, 21:08 BST
The National Lift Tower in Northampton lit up in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.The National Lift Tower in Northampton lit up in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
The National Lift Tower in Northampton lit up in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The sound of applause ringing across the town, buses grinding to a halt and the Northampton lift tower lighting up - all of these events happened at 6pm earlier this evening (February 3) in honour of one man who won the nation’s hearts: Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The name of the World War II veteran made countless headlines in the UK after he raised more than £30 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden during the first national lockdown.

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His family announced yesterday (February 2) that he had passed away after contracting pneumonia and subsequently testing positive for coronavirus. He lived to the grand age of 100-years-old.

Stagecoach Midlands also announced that their buses will be halting so that drivers and passengers could clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore.Stagecoach Midlands also announced that their buses will be halting so that drivers and passengers could clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Stagecoach Midlands also announced that their buses will be halting so that drivers and passengers could clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore.

A minute’s silence took place in the House of Commons today - before Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions - to honour Captain Sir Tom’s memory as well as those who lost their lives in the pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Captain Sir Tom’s was a "life well lived" and that he "inspired the very best in us all.”

The Prime Minister told the Commons: "We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in. That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening."

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Not only residents across Northamptonshire took to their doorsteps to applaud Captain Sir Tom but buses run by Stagecoach Midlands across the county halted their journeys so drivers and passengers could also pay tribute.

The university of Northampton’s Energy Centre tower also shared a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore on its big screen.The university of Northampton’s Energy Centre tower also shared a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore on its big screen.
The university of Northampton’s Energy Centre tower also shared a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore on its big screen.

Stagecoach Midlands tweeted earlier today: "Where safe, our great team will pull over and clap...and we would love for you to join us clapping to lift spirits in his honour!"

The National Lift Tower in Northampton was aglow with a neon drawing of Captain Sir Tom with 'Tom' projected in huge letters and the university of Northampton’s Energy Centre tower also shared a message of thanks to the veteran on its big screen to be seen for miles around - an incredible tribute to an incredible man.

Related topics:Tom MoorePrime MinisterNorthamptonBoris JohnsonQuestions

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