The Cambridge flag, which flies above the Cambridge Guildhall in the centre of Cambridge, has been lowered to half mast in commemoration of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who passed away yesterday (02/01) in hospital at the age of 100. 

A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council told Varsity that it "flew the flag at half mast [...] as a sign of respect [...] his fundraising achievements to support the NHS were remarkable and many people will benefit from the money he raised."

The WWII veteran was admitted to Bedford Hospital last Sunday (31/01) due to breathing difficulties, following Covid-19 and pneumonia diagnoses. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today announced (03/02) that a national clap would take place at 18:00 (GMT) tonight in his memory, and for "all those health workers for whom he raised money".

Moore became a national hero during the nationwide lockdown in April last year, when he decided to walk 100 laps of his garden to raise funds for NHS charities. Originally setting out to raise £1,000, he raised a staggering £32,796,155. 

Moore’s popularity in the British public image became evident when he received over 150,000 cards for his 100th birthday, which was celebrated on 30th April 2020 with an RAF flypast, a promotion to Honorary Colonel, and an honorary membership of the England cricket team.

The Honorary Colonel had also topped the UK singles charts a week before his 100th Birthday, with his duet with Michael Ball, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, before receiving a knighthood in July 2020, in what was the Queen’s first in-person official engagement since the first National Lockdown in the UK.

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s death has received many tributes across the nation, with many remembering him for his optimistic motto: “Tomorrow will be a good day”.