Nation prays for Captain Sir Tom Moore as he battles Covid-19 in hospital
31 January 2021, 17:10 | Updated: 1 February 2021, 08:32
Captain Sir Tom Moore in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19
People around the UK including members of the armed forces and celebrities have sent warm wishes to Captain Sir Tom Moore after he was admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 100-year-old World War Two veteran, who raised more than £32 million towards the NHS last year, tested positive for Covid-19 after being treated for pneumonia.
Captain Tom had been staying at home until Sunday when he required additional help with his breathing.
He is currently being treated in a ward at Bedford Hospital and has not been put in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister 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."
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. https://t.co/Gm0S07umgd
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 31, 2021
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote: "The whole nation hopes you get well soon @captaintommoore.
"You've been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis."
The whole nation hopes you get well soon @captaintommoore. You've been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis. https://t.co/C4NAB9wSQ6
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 31, 2021
The British Army's official Twitter account posted: "Get well soon @captaintommoore - sending you our best wishes for your recovery."
"Come on Captain Sir Tom, you are a warrior, a true gentleman and the nation's hero", added RAF Group Captain Jo Lincoln.
Read more: Captain Tom 'delighted' by 'truly great' honorary colonel role at Army college
Read more: Captain Sir Tom Moore awarded the freedom of his home town Keighley
Michael Ball, who recorded a charity single with the captain that reached number one, tweeted: "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."
Singer Katherine Jenkins posted a picture of her visiting Sir Tom last year.
"Sending a big healing cwtch to this gorgeous gentleman @captainsirtom who’s currently in hospital with COVID", she wrote on Instagram.
"You are such an inspiration to so many and MANY millions all around the world will be wishing you better and praying for your recovery."
Britain's Got Talent host Amanda Holden said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery and look forward to a cup of tea with you when it's safe", while Bear Grylls added: “Sending prayers…. come on Sir Tom.”
Former Love Island contestant Dr Alex George, who is working on the NHS frontline in A&E, wrote: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Captain Sir Tom Moore, a true hero of these times.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was sending his "best wishes" to the veteran's family, while Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi also tweeted that he was "praying" for the 100-year-old.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Thank you to our brilliant NHS for taking care of @captaintommoore.
"Hoping for a speedy recovery and to see Captain Tom back home with his family soon."
And England Football's official Twitter account wrote: "We’re very sorry to hear this. We are thinking of you all and hoping Captain Sir Tom makes a full and speedy recovery."
Read more: Captain Sir Tom Moore knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle
Read more: Captain Tom gives powerful message of hope after being awarded knighthood
Sit Tom's family confirmed his illness on Sunday with a statement posted on his Twitter account.
It read: "I wanted to update everybody that today (Sunday 31st January) my father was admitted to hospital.
"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19.
"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."
A spokeswoman for his family confirmed he had not yet received his coronavirus vaccine due to pneumonia medication he was on.
She said: “Because of the medication he was taking for his pneumonia he couldn’t have the Covid jab.
“But other than that, the information that was in his daughter Hannah’s statement is all we can share at the moment.
“Everyone is sending positive thoughts his way.”
Sir Tom's fundraising efforts involved walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown in April.
After setting out to raise £1,000 during his charity challenge, Captain Tom's efforts struck a chord with the nation, with praise and donations quickly flooding in.
In acknowledgement of his achievement, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.
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