It was announced that Captain Sir Tom Moore, the 100-year-old who raised almost £33m for NHS charities, died with coronavirus. He was taken to Bedford Hospital after requiring help with his breathing.

Led by The Queen, tributes poured in following the mews. HRH was "recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world". His daughters, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, said they "shared laughter and tears" with their father in their final few hours together. Announcing his death, they said the last year of his life had been "nothing short of remarkable".

He tested positive for Covid-19 last week. His family said due to other medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated. The Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire last year during the first lockdown, raising money for NHS Charities Together. He was knighted by the Queen last July in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson 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, the 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." The flag above 10 Downing Street had been flying at half-mast in tribute.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: ‘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 daughters' statement said: "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.

"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." Capt Sir Tom's daughters said the care he received from the NHS was "extraordinary".

England manager Gareth Southgate said: "Captain Sir Tom Moore demonstrated the very best of England during an extremely difficult time for the nation.

"It was a wonderful moment to see him chosen to lead England’s Lionhearts squad celebrating 23 individuals who had done so much to help others this past year – one of many deserved honours that came his way. He will be missed, but we will remember him."

A staunch Yorkshire County Cricket supporter, the ECCB (England & Wales Cricket Board) wrote; ‘RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore. An inspiration to us all.’  

Capt Sir Tom, originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, joined the Army at the beginning of World War Two, serving in India and Burma. He raised £32,794,701 from more than 1.5 million supporters, and was given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday. NHS Charities Together said that would rise to £39m when Gift Aid was taken into account.

He also became the oldest person to have a UK number one single when he recorded You'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball last year.