The Prime Minister spoke yesterday to his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore to pass on thoughts and prayers on behalf of a grateful nation. Centenarian Capt Sir Tom was taken to Bedford Hospital on Sunday night needing “help with his breathing” but is not in intensive care. His family remains at his bedside. Mr Johnson said: “I spoke to the family and all I can say is Capt Tom Moore has been an inspiration to everybody in this country during this pandemic and I think our thoughts and our prayers are now with him and with his family.”
Messages of support continued to flood in, including from the Army, the England football team and Michael Ball, with whom he recorded a number one cover version of You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Amanda Holden said: “Wishing you a speedy recovery and look forward to a cup of tea with you when it’s safe.” Adventurer Bear Grylls added: “Sending prayers… come on Capt Sir Tom.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, boss of the World Health Organisation, which presented Capt Sir Tom with a gold medal on his birthday, said: “You and the NHS health professionals supporting you are true heroes and shining examples of the spirit needed to overcome Covid-19.”
The Second World War hero, who raised more than £32million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday last April, became an icon of hope as Covid struck.
He has not yet had a vaccine because he is battling pneumonia.
In December Capt Sir Tom, originally from Keighley, West Yorks, and his family were treated to a five-star holiday to Barbados by British Airways.
He has not been seen in public since but said at the time: “The support I have been shown has given me renewed energy and I get to tick something off my bucket list.”
Hannah said: “The care he has received has been remarkable.
“We know the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible.”
