Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised millions for the NHS, laid to rest

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Captain Sir Tom Moore, the British veteran who raised $45 million for the National Health Service last summer, was laid to rest following a small funeral service Saturday.

Moore died Feb. 2 at 100, and his headstone will read, "I told you I was old," a reference to British comedian Spike Milligan's famous epitaph: "I told you I was ill."

Moore's funeral was held at the Bedford Crematorium near his home.

In keeping with Britain's COVID-19 restrictions, just eight members of his immediate family -- two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren -- attended the event, and they all wore masks.

His coffin was carried by soldiers while a World War II-era C-47 Dakota plane flew past.

The family has supported an initiative to plant millions of trees so his legacy can live on.

Moore was knighted in July by Queen Elizabeth in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

In April Moore achieved worldwide fame after he walked 100 laps around the 82-foot loop of his garden using his walker while dressed in a suit and medals he earned fighting in World War II.

Moore originally set out to raise $1,370 for the National Health Service from the walk, but eventually raised $45 million from more than 1.5 million people to support health care workers fighting COVID-19.

A few months later, the virus claimed his life.

The White House and the Royal Family shared their condolences at the time of his death, and the BBC eulogized him with the words, "At times of crisis, a nation needs hopes and heroes."