There will be a national clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced.
In a tweet, Number 10 asked people to join in the event at 6pm tonight in memory of the war hero who passed away yesterday (2 February), and to celebrate the efforts of NHS staff.
It read: "Tonight at 6pm we will clap to honour the life of Sir @CaptainTomMoore and all those health workers who he recognised with his fundraising."
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It was announced yesterday that Sir Tom, from Keighley, Bradford, had sadly died after contracting pneumonia and coronavirus earlier this year.
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."
Since his passing, people have shared their memories of Sir Tom, who 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 over £32 million.
Katie Langton, a senior jounalist at BBC Breakfast met Sir Tom following his extraordinary fundraising efforts last summer.
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Sharing a photo of him, she wrote: "After this interview wrapped, Captain Tom thanked @TVNaga01 wholeheartedly for giving up her time for him. Then turned to me & both camera operators, having learnt & remembered our names, & thanked us each individually. It was a true honour."
BBC Three Counties Radio reporter Ollie Baylis also met Sir Tom last year, and said it was a privilege.
He wrote: "It was my pleasure to interview Sir Tom Moore back in the autumn. I was about the 15th reporter he'd spoken to that morning but he was patient, witty and engaging with every single one of us. So sad to hear today's news. Thoughts with his family.
Queen Elizabeth II knighted Sir Tom in July last year for his fundraising. She said: "The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
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"Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts and those of the Royal Family are with them."
Last month, Sir Tom's daughter Hannah confirmed that her father had been admitted to hospital after contracting pneumonia and coronavirus.
In a post to his Twitter account, she wrote: "I wanted to update everybody that today (Sunday 31st January) my father was admitted to hospital.
"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19.
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"He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing. He is being treated in a ward, although he is not in ICU.
"The medical care he has received in the last few weeks has been remarkable and we know that the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible.
"We understand that everyone will be wishing him well. We are of course focusing on my father and will update you when we are able to."
Featured Image Credit: PA
