Captain Tom Moore, the British World War II veteran who raised millions of dollars for health service workers battling the coronavirus, died on Tuesday after contracting COVID-19 himself. He was 100 years-old.

CNBC reported that Moore stole the hearts of the people of the United Kingdom by walking around his garden using a frame to raise an astounding 38.9 million pounds ($53 million) for the National Health Service. His positivity and wit brought millions of people in a very dark time, with Moore’s message always being that the clouds will clear and the sun will shine again someday.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore,” his daughters said in a statement after the veteran died at Bedford Hospital in central England on Tuesday morning.

Moore had been battling prostate and skin cancer for the past five years, and he tested positive for COVID-19 on January 22 after being rushed there while fighting pneumonia. Moore was not able to get the COVID-19 vaccine because of other medications he was taking for the cancer.

Buckingham Palace said that the Queen would privately be contacting Moore’s family to offer her condolences, and that she “very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom.”

“Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognizing the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world,” the palace added.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Moore as well, saying, “Captain Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world.”

Moore had hoped to raise 1,000 pounds when he started his walk in his garden, and much to his surprise, he raised a world record sum for the National Health Service instead.

“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,” his daughters said. “Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever.”

When Moore turned 100 last April, he received over 125,000 birthday cards from people all over the world. He was also given a message from Johnson, a promotion to the rank of colonel and flypasts by both historic planes and modern RAF helicopters above his home.

“I never, ever anticipated ever in my life anything like this, it really is amazing,” Moore said at the time. “Thank you very much to everyone, wherever you are.”

Born in Yorkshire, England, Moore served in India, Burma and Sumatra during World War II. He saw quite a lot of ups and downs in the world during his lifetime, so his words of comfort during the pandemic meant a lot to millions of people.

“For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment, the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away,” he said after finishing his walk. “You’ve all got to remember that we will get through it in the end, it will all be right, it might take time. At the end of the day we shall all be OK again.”