The centenarian, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who had not received a vaccine for the coronavirus because he was being treated for pneumonia, “needed additional help with breathing”
Well-wishes have flooded in from across the nation for Captain Sir Tom Moore, the veteran of the Second World War who had raised millions for the NHS during the nation-wide lockdown, after he was admitted to hospital with COVID-19.
Captain Tom, who is 100 years of age, tested positive for the coronavirus last week and was subsequently taken to hospital on Sunday for help with his breathing, his daughter Hannah has said in a tweet.
He is not currently in intensive care, she added, but had been receiving treatment for his pneumonia “over the last few weeks”.
Captain Sir Tom Moore and his family had travelled to Barbados for a family holiday over the Christmas period after he was gifted the trip by British Airways.
This comes after the World War 2 veteran raised over £32 million for NHS charities after he completed 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday in April, and was later recognised for his efforts with a knighthood.
News of his illness was met by hundreds of thousands of well-wishes, including one from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He 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.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer wrote in a Twitter post: “The whole nation hopes you get well soon @captaintommoore. You’ve been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis.”
Health minister Helen Whately described Captain Sir Tom as an “inspiration to the whole country”.
“During some of the darkest times we have had he has really lifted our spirits. I really wish him well and that he pulls through,” she told Sky News on Monday.
A spokesperson for the British Army wrote on Twitter: “Get well soon @captaintommoore – sending our best wishes for your recovery.”
While the US Embassy in London also sent their best wishes, posting:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with @captaintommore tonight.”
“Along with the many millions of people across the UK and US who you continue to inspire – we wish you a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Sir!”
And Michael Ball, who he teamed up with to record a fundraising cover version of You’ll Never Walk Alone that reached number one in the UK charts, said: “Love and prayers for @captaintommoore and his lovely family as he battles this b of a virus. Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you. Xxx.”
Captain Sir Tom is receiving treatment at Bedford Hospital near his home in Bedfordshire.
During Tom’s birthday celebrations, he was promoted to the honorary rank of colonel of the Army Foundation College, in recognition of his achievements, the Queen recognises this promotion.
His spokesperson has said that he had not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 because he was being treated for pneumonia.
“He was at home with us until today, when he needed additional help with breathing,” his daughter tweeted late on Sunday.
“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.”
