Suffolk residents inspired by NHS hero Captain Sir Tom Moore have paid heartfelt tributes to the World War Two veteran following his death.
Captain Tom, who raised nearly £33million for NHS charities with his walks in his garden, died aged 100 on Tuesday, less than a week after he was admitted to hospital with Covid-19.
Within minutes of the announcement of his death, Clacton Pier changed its front screen to mark its respect, with the lighting around the iconic landmark also turned to red, white, and blue.
Pier director Billy Ball said Captain Tom united the nation with his strength of spirit and amazing fundraising efforts for the NHS.
Captain Tom's daughters, Lucy and Hannah, said: "The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of."
How Has Captain Tom's Fundraising Helped The NHS?
"The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of."
One of those he inspired, Joan Rich, a former nurse who raised £35,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 102 laps of a Felixstowe park before her 102nd birthday, said the Army veteran "made a difference to so many of us".
She said: "My thoughts are with Sir Tom's wonderful family. They must be so proud of everything he achieved, especially over the last year.
"He inspired all generations - including my own, the over 100s. He was the reason I did my 102 laps of Allenby Park.
"He made a difference to so many of us, including me."
Former Royal Navy teleprinter Marjorie West, the 99-year-old who raised more than £42,000 for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of her Dedham garden, was inspired to complete her challenge after seeing Captain Tom on TV.
Speaking on her behalf, Marjorie's son Colin said: "Captain Tom represented the attitude of their generation. It was the sight of him that sparked Marjorie to do the challenge.
"The messages of support that came in were great, and everyone was very supportive of her generation.
"She was inspired by him. She will have worked with a lot of people just like Captain Tom."
Stroke survivor Richard Coleby, 77, walked 520 laps of the garden at Glebe House care home near Hollesley in three weeks, raising £1,000 for another resident's chair lift.
Speaking on his behalf, care home manager Trish Middleton said: "Captain Tom inspired Richard to do the challenge. He said he wanted to do something to raise some money.
"Captain Tom really put a smile on people's faces."
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