Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said Sir Tom “lifted the spirits of an entire nation” and demonstrated “you’re never too old, you’re never too anything to care for people and to make a difference”.
She said: “He really was a beacon of hope, the optimism that he brought in and hope to us in a really dark and difficult time for this nation, and particularly for the NHS, is just incredible.
“He is held in such amazing high regard, he is a national hero and his legacy will live on in the NHS for years and years to come.”
Now Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said Captain Tom’s contribution to the NHS will be formally marked.
