Captain Sir Tom Moore Taken To Hospital After Testing Positive For Covid-19

The centenarian is being treated for pneumonia.
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Captain Sir Tom Moore has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been admitted to hospital where he is being treated for pneumonia, his daughter Hannah said in a statement.

The Second World War veteran raised more than £32 million for the NHS by walking laps of his Bedfordshire garden last year.

He also broke two Guinness World Records, scored a number one single and was knighted by the Queen.

Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Captain Sir Tom Moore.
PA

His daughter Hannah wrote in a statement posted on Twitter: “I wanted to update everybody that today 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.”

pic.twitter.com/MN6cZzxEaw

— Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) January 31, 2021

“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 focussing on my father and will update you when we are able to.”

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 tweeted: “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

Captain Tom Moore captured the nation’s attention during the coronavirus lockdown, when he vowed to walk 100 laps of his garden for health service charities.

Moore, who was 99 when he started the challenge – originally hoped to raise £1,000.

But after his efforts went viral – and were featured on TV – he eventually raised almost £33m.

Moore then went on to record a history-making cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care choir.

Incredible! Captain Tom Moore has gone to Number 1! 🏆@itswillmanning reveals to @captaintommoore's daughter and grandson that 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with @mrmichaelball & the NHS Voices of Care Choir has gone straight to Number 1 in the UK 👏 pic.twitter.com/jpGxXNWWrk

— The Official Big Top 40 (@BigTop40) April 19, 2020

The song shot to number one, making Moore – who was 99 at the time – the oldest person to ever top the singles charts.

Captain Tom’s 100 birthday celebrations

Following Moore’s fundraising success, his 100th birthday in April was celebrated around the country.

The veteran was honoured with two military flypasts over his village – the first of a Spitfire and a Hurricane, and the second of a Wildcat and an Apache helicopter.

A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane passes over the home of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane passes over the home of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
Joe Giddens - PA Images via Getty Images

Moore – who was made an honorary colonel on his birthday – also received more than 140,000 birthday cards, including one from the Queen and a message from the prime minister.

Colonel Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah celebrate his 100th birthday, with an RAF flypast provided by a Spitfire and a Hurricane over his home on April 30.
Colonel Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah celebrate his 100th birthday, with an RAF flypast provided by a Spitfire and a Hurricane over his home on April 30.
Handout via Getty Images

Boris Johnson said: “Captain Tom, I know I speak for the whole country when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday.

“Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation.”

Captain Tom, who is a cricket fan, was also been made an honorary member of the England cricket team by former captain Michael Vaughan.

But that’s not the only sporting honour that has been bestowed upon the centenarian.

In July, former England captain David Beckham visited Moore with a special award, making him the first member of the Lionhearts squad of inspirational heroes.

The Lionhearts is an initiative honouring inspirational people who have gone above and beyond during the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

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