National round of applause to honour Captain Sir Tom Moore

A national clap honouring the life of Captain Sir Tom Moore will take place at 6pm on Wednesday evening.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged people to join in the tribute for Sir Tom, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100.

Johnson told the Commons: “We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.

“That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening.”

Sir Tom died in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday morning after testing positive for Covid-19.

His 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.

Speaking at the start of First Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon spoke of her “sadness” at hearing the news of Sir Tom’s death.

“During the toughest of times he inspired millions of people, and of course he also raised millions of pounds for the National Health Service,” she said.

“I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us when I say our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

Charities have vowed that the legacy of Sir Tom, whose death has prompted a reaction from around the world, will live on “for years and years”.

His family said the last year of his life was “nothing short of remarkable”, and that he had “experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of”.

The Captain Tom Foundation, which was set up to support causes close to Sir Tom’s heart, said its work would “aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy”.