Flypast for Captain Sir Tom Moore as 'spectacular' funeral set to go ahead today

A Second World War era plane is set to soar over a funeral service for Captain Tom Moore today in honour of the ‘son of Yorkshire’, veteran and NHS fundraiser.
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Captain Sir Tom's private funeral is set to take place in Bedfordshire today (February 27) and will be attended by eight members of his immediate family only.

The C-47 Dakota, which operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, will perform the flypast.

In Keighley, where Sir Tom was born and grew up, the town’s mayor Peter Corkindale will be joined by one of West Yorkshire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenants, David Pearson, to lay a wreath in his memory.

Capt Sir Tom Moore won the nation's hearts with his charity endeavours during the first lockdown.Capt Sir Tom Moore won the nation's hearts with his charity endeavours during the first lockdown.
Capt Sir Tom Moore won the nation's hearts with his charity endeavours during the first lockdown.

In Bradford, 100 bells will be rung from the city’s cathedral and others across the country at 12pm, and the bells of the clock tower will play You’ll Never Walk Alone, which Sir Tom covered with singer Michael Ball to achieve a number one hit.

Flags on civic buildings across Bradford will also fly at half-mast and buildings will be lit in red, white, and blue to honour Captain Sir Tom.

The 100-year-old, who served with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment during the Second World War, inspired millions by raising more than £32 million for the NHS with a sponsored walk of his garden during the first lockdown.

Sadly, he passed away from coronavirus on February 2.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Doreen Lee said: “I am extremely proud of Captain Sir Tom. Yorkshire grit is what he had.

“I would like to ask all the people of Bradford just to stop and think tomorrow about Captain Sir Tom and all the others who have died. People will be thinking about the whole pandemic and how far we have come in a year."

Debbie Harding, area manager for the Royal British Legion in Yorkshire, said: “Captain Sir Tom will be remembered as a shining beacon of hope in what was a difficult year for all.

"His achievements during his military service in the Second World War and his more recent accomplishments, raising millions for the NHS and establishing the Captain Tom Moore Foundation, means that his legacy will live on and help many generations to come.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.