Captain Sir Tom Moore has died at the age of 100 after testing positive for Covid-19.
The charity fundraiser, who became a national lockdown legend, was taken to Bedford Hospital on Sunday after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for coronavirus last week.
In a statement, his daughters Hannah and Lucy said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
“We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.
“The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of.”
Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts raised more than £32m for the NHS, walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown in April.
The veteran set out to raise £1000 from his charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.
He raised a total of £32.7m, with donations from 1.5 million supporters, before his fundraising page was closed at midnight following his 100th birthday on April 30.
He started his challenge a little over three weeks earlier, and encouraged people to continue to donate to NHS Charities Together.
In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.
Sir Tom rounded off 2020 with a trip to Barbados with his family, and his fundraising efforts were marked during the New Years drone display in London, as his figure appeared over the O2 Arena.
Sir Tom’s family confirmed his illness on Sunday, saying he had needed additional help with his breathing and was being treated on a ward but not in ICU.
Following the announcement of his death, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Such sad news. RIP Captain.”
Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross also tweeted: “Tragic news about the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
“He was an inspiration to the entire nation over the last year.
“My condolences to his family and friends.”
Buckingham Palace also paid tribute.
A spokesman said: “The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
“Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.
“Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
