Captain Sir Tom Moore, a national treasure, has passed away in hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
The WW2 veteran had tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to Bedford Hospital on Sunday (31/1) for help with his breathing.
Yesterday (1/2), Captain Sir Tom's family was allowed to join him in hospital as staff continued to care for him.
But sadly his family have this afternoon confirmed his passing.
In a statement, his daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain 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. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.
"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.
"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.
"Over the past few days our father spoke a great deal about the last 12 months and how proud he felt at being able to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation.
"We politely ask for privacy at this time so we can grieve quietly as a family and remember the wonderful 100 years our father had."
Captain Tom rose to fame in the first lockdown after he walked 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, raising over £32m for the NHS in the process.
In the months following his successful fundraising campaign, Captain Tom received a Pride of Britain Award, recorded a charity single with Michael Ball, and received a knighthood from the Queen.
He was a beacon of hope and resilience during the country's darkest time, and has certainly left his mark.
Tributes have been pouring in for Captain Sir Tom, including from The Prime Minister and Labour Leader Keir Starmer, with 10 Downing Street to lower the flag to half mast in tribute.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 2, 2021
The Queen will also be sending a private message of condolence to his family. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson says: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt 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."
Captain Sir Tom Moore is survived by his two daughters and four grandchildren.
