Captain Sir Tom Moore Has Died

Captain Sir Tom Moore has died after testing positive for Covid-19, his daughters have confirmed.

The 100-year-old war hero, from Keighley, Bradford, was being treated for the deadly disease after contracting it last month.

In a statement, Sir Tom's daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira 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."

Having served in the Second World War, Sir Tom became something of a national celebrity last year when, to mark his 100th birthday, he decided to do 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS during the first lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic.

He went on to raise an astonishing £32.8 million, which saw him praised by the NHS for his extraordinary effort.

At the time, NHS Charities Together Chief Executive, Ellie Orton, said: "If it wasn't for him and the remarkable fundraising her has done, we wouldn't be able to [provide] the extra support that we give to the NHS.

"It's been phenomenal, the funds that he has raised are making a significant difference in the NHS right now and these funds are additional to what the NHS and the government are able to give."

Sir Tom was a source of inspiration for the country during one of the darkest periods in recent memory, and in July 2020, he was awarded with a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II.

PA

Speaking at the time, he said: "I am absolutely overawed.

"This is such a high award and to get it from Her Majesty as well - what more can anyone wish for? This has been an absolutely magnificent day for me."

Since news of Sir Tom's death was announced, people have shared their condolences with his family.

One user said: "What a wonderful man and he will be forever in our hearts. My daughters are young, but when I tell them of this time I will let them know of the man that raised so much for the NHS and gave us all hope that tomorrow will be a better day. May he rest in peace. Love to his family."

Echoing these sentiments, another shared: "An absolute inspiration. Rest in peace."

"Captain Tom was amazing and gave us all hope in dark times. RIP Captain Tom. Sending my love and condolences to all his family," wrote a third.

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom