Captain Sir Tom in hospital with Covid-19
CAPTAIN SIR Tom Moore is in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, his family have confirmed.
The 100-year-old charity fundraiser, from Keighley, was taken to Bedford Hospital yesterday, after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for Covid-19 last week.
In a statement posted on the veteran’s Twitter page, his family said: “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.”
Capt Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts raised more than £32m for the NHS, walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown in April.
The veteran, inset, set out to raise £1,000 from his lockdown charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.
In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.
Boris Johnson tweeted: “My thoughts are very much with @captaintommoore and his family. You’ve inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery.” Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted that he was “praying for you Sir”, while Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “sending my best wishes”. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “The whole nation hopes you get well soon Captain Tom Moore. You’ve been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis.”
Capt Sir Tom has also scored a number one single, released an autobiography and is helping to set up a charity.
He also launched his own podcast and there have even been reports of a film about his life.
The fundraising idea came about after he was challenged by to do 100 laps before his birthday.
Capt Sir Tom finished off a whirlwind year by becoming GQ’s oldest cover star as the magazine awarded him its ‘Inspiration’ award as part of its Men Of The Year issue.