People Are Calling For A Captain Tom Statue To Be Built

Brits are calling for a statue to be built in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, after the 100-year-old passed away yesterday.

Celebrities, politicians and members of the British public are campaigning for a statue to be erected in memory and honour of Captain Tom, and his incredible NHS fundraiser, which raised nearly £33million during the first national lockdown.

Discussing the idea on today's Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan suggested building multiple statues of Captain Tom, and erecting them outside 12 of the UK's biggest hospitals.

"You could take a dozen of the biggest hospitals in the country. North, South, East, West, and just stick a statue of Captain Sir Tom right outside the front. So that everyone that goes in remembers that guy," he said.

"As the guy that when the NHS was reeling, he starting walking."

Plenty of others have also been backing the campaign, with many setting up petitions to get the ball rolling.

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One member of the public tweeted: "If anyone deserves a statue to inspire people it's Sir Tom."

While another added: "Statue on the 4th Plinth on Trafalgar Square & a ward in a hospital named after @captaintommoore He was a Wonderful, Wonderful Man."

"In honour of Captain Tom Moore, a statue should be put up in his memory, to commemorate everything he did for our country," one tweeted.

"A statue of Captain Tom with his walking frame, with NHS written on it along with the number of laps he did to raise money. A symbol of resilience."

A fourth added: "So sad, he was the light and strength throughout this pandemic and true hero to all......RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore Let's have a memorial or statue for his Pandemic hero."

Others meanwhile, are calling for Captain Sir Tom to have a state funeral while some suggested commemorative coins.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that the contribution Captain Tom made to the NHS would be formally marked, explaining to BBC Breakfast: "I think we should find a way to make sure we mark the memory of Captain Tom and thank him for the contribution he made for the NHS.

"I will ensure we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment. I think everybody would welcome that, I think he has touched the hearts of so many people of all ages.

"He touched the heart of the nation and we should remember that."

Topics: Life News, News, NHS

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine