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The World War II veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore, who inspired the nation to raise funds close to £33 million for NHS charities through walking laps in his garden during the first wave lockdown, has passed away aged 100 from coronavirus.

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On Sunday the 31st of January, the treasured hero was transported to a ward at the Bedford Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 a week prior. Sir Tom died last night as a result of not being able to receive the vaccine from having been dealing with treatment for pneumonia for a while.

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His daughters, Hanna Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, issued a announcement on Instagram following his death which said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Capt Sir Tom Moore. We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime."

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“We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together."

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“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. 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."

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The family praised the care Sir Tom received at the Bedford NHS Trust with the last part of their statement reading: "The care our father received from the NHS and carers over the last few weeks and years of his life has been extraordinary. They have been unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined.”

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Last year in July, the Queen knighted Captain Sir Tom Moore in an honorary ceremony at Windsor Castle for his inspirational act. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace gave an official response to the news: “Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year."

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“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.”

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Sir Tom Moore was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, on the 30th of April 1920 and took an apprenticeship in civil engineering shortly before the Second World War began. He was then abruptly conscripted into the British Army in June 1940, part of the Duke of Wellington's regiment, stationed in West Riding.

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According to Sir Tom, he was "too young to feel frightened" at the time barely aged 21. He went on to become a second lieutenant for the 146th Royal Armoured Corps which relocated him to India and Myanmar, previously known as Burma.

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Later in life, Captain Sir Tom received recognition for raising a total of £32,796,155 for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden with his zimmer frame. Considered a sign of hope and courage for the United Kingdom in one of the most difficult time periods throughout the coronavirus pandemic and the century.

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Rest in peace Captain Sir Tom Moore, born 30th April 1920 - died 2nd February 2021.

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