A HERO who put others first is being mourned throughout Cumbria, and across the UK.

Colonel Sir Tom Moore, who many have hailed as a “national treasure” for his landmark fundraising efforts, died aged 100 on Tuesday after a battle with Covid-19. He raised £ 33 million for the NHS through Just Giving, completing 100 laps of his garden. He met his target of completing the challenge before his 100th birthday, saluted by a Guard of Honour as he crossed the finish line. As well as raise funds for those on the front-line of the fight against Covid-19, he wanted to inspire others.

Colonel Sir Tom was taken to hospital on Sunday after testing positive. The tragic news was announced by his daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira on social media days later.

Gareth Edwards and Kevin Rishworth were inspired by Colonel Tom to complete their own daily charity trek throughout January.

Mr Edwards of Egremont and Mr Rishworth of Bigrigg walked five miles every day in January wearing 25kg bergans for Egremont Rangers and the town’s Royal British Legion.

Mr Edwards, a veteran of the Territorial Army, paid tribute to Colonel Tom, a Second World War Veteran: “He epitomises the ethos which me and Kevin live by which is “service not self”, you do what you need to do but you think of yourself second.”

He said: “In the heart of adversity in lockdown he put his trainers on and did what he had to do.

“He inspired me and Kevin but probably thousands of others as well.”

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: “On behalf of everyone in the NHS, I want to pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore who has been the model of all that has been good about our country’s response to Covid-19.

“People rightly marvel at the tens of millions of pounds Captain Sir Tom raised for the NHS, but for me, his biggest achievement and most important contribution to helping my fellow nurses, doctors and all those in the NHS responding to coronavirus, has been how he brought the country together and gave us all a boost when we most needed it.

“I also want to echo the thanks of Hannah and Lucy to my colleagues who have cared for Captain Sir Tom in his final days, and I am proud that the NHS was able to offer Captain Sir Tom and his family compassion, skill and dedication when they most needed it.”

A Cumbrian resident paid tribute to Colonel Sir Tom in our online Book of Condolences saying: “Colonel Tom was a hero. He showed anything was possible. He made us all proud in a time of crisis. My thoughts are with his family.”

Tributes poured in from Cumbrian organisations, teams and individuals on social media when the news broke.

The Workington RBL branch said: “RIP sir Tom, a very inspirational man. Stand down sir, your duty is done.”

Vice chair of Copeland Labour Karl Connor said: “Very sad news, as is each and every life lost to this virus, be they in their twenties or their eighties, each one is a tragedy for a family.

He said: “Thank you for your service, Sir Tom. You were the best of us and your legacy will live on.”

A spokesperson for Workington AFC said: “Rest in Peace, a true national treasure.”