Captain Sir Tom Moore dies aged 100 after contracting Covid and pneumonia

Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised £33 million for the NHS has died with coronavirus.

The World War ll veteran, who was 100, was taken to Bedford Hospital on Sunday after being treated for pneumonia and testing positive for Covid-19 last week.

Announcing his death, daugthers, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said the last year of their father's life had been "nothing short of remarkable".

He became a national treasure and a household name after walking 100 laps of his garden with his zimmer frame to raise money for the health service. He was knighted for his efforts by the Queen at Windsor Castle last July.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen and the royal family's thoughts are with his loved ones and she is sending a private message of condolence.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts, and those of the royal family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world."

In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country's deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family."

The flag above 10 Downing Street has been flying at half-mast in tribute. Mr Johnson also spoke to Mrs Ingram-Moore to offer his condolences.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "This is incredibly sad news. Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero."

The White House also paid tribute in a tweet saying: "We join the United Kingdom and the world in [honouring] the memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who inspired millions through his life and his actions."

Originally from Keighley, Captain Sir Tom joined the Army at the beginning of World War ll, serving in India and Myanmar, then known as Burma.

Robbie Moore MP said the town had "lost one of its finest today".

Credited with lifting the nation's spirits, he was made a honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate on his 100th birthday.

The charity foundation that he launched in September said: "As well as uniting the nation and giving hope when it was needed most, he has been our beacon of light every single day.

"He was so passionate about the foundation's vision for a more hopeful world and equal society and was immensely proud of the growing legacy it was establishing in his name."

Captain Sir Tom is survived by his two daughters and four grandchildren.