Following the death of the centenarian who was known for his incredible fundraising efforts for the NHS, the Bailiff Richard McMahon has commended the flying of flags in Guernsey at half-mast today until 8pm.
Captain Tom, as he is popularly known, set out on a personal challenge to complete 100 laps of the garden in his Bedfordshire home before his 100th birthday.
He was hoping it might garner enough local support to raise a modest £1,000 for the NHS.
Clutching his walking frame for support and proudly wearing his Second World War medals, the war veteran’s steely determination to keep lapping his garden, come rain or shine, quickly captured the hearts of well-wishers worldwide.
Donations, tributes and national news interviews poured in.
By the time his 100th birthday (marked with a Spitfire flyover and more than 120,000 cards from fans around the globe) came around, his status as a national hero was cemented.
His JustGiving page has raised an incredible £32m. in donations, while the charity single he released with Michael Ball made him the oldest artist to claim a UK No 1.
Captain Tom was sent birthday cards and wishes from some islanders, including the Guernsey Army Cadets who were inspired by his fundraising efforts and the Guernsey Isolation Support Group.
Others, who had been moved to raise money for charity, cited Captain Tom as their motivation.
Unfortunately, on Sunday, Captain Tom was taken to Bedford Hospital, needed help for his breathing.
He had pneumonia for the past few weeks and, last week, tested positive for Covid-19.
Due to the other treatment he was receiving for pneumonia, he could not be vaccinated.
The Queen led tributes, 'recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world'.
Captain Sir Tom was knighted by the Queen in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in July.
He was credited with lifting the nation's spirits with his saying 'Tomorrow will be a good day', which trended on social media.
In order not to break the letter or the spirit of the lockdown rules, this request is to be followed only if the flag would be put at half-mast by someone who is present on the site for legitimate reasons.
That is, no one should make a special trip to half-mast any flag, on the basis that it would not be essential work.
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