CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore is in hospital with pneumonia having tested positive for coronavirus.
A statement from his daughter on Twitter said that the 100-year-old was hospitalised on Sunday after requiring “help with his breathing” but that he is not in intensive care.
Hannah Ingram-Moore wrote that her father had had pneumonia for the last few weeks “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.
“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 the 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 focusing on my father and will update you when we are able to.”
The Second World War veteran became a national hero after he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown last year.
Sir Tom, who was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle originally set out to raise £1,000 from his lockdown charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.
Carrying on his journey of inspiring the country, Sir Tom and his family launched the Captain Tom Foundation, which tackles loneliness, supports hospices and helps those facing bereavement.
The 100-year-old veteran, from Bedfordshire, spent the festive period in Barbados with his family, fulfilling a wish on his bucket list. However, Sir Tom told BBC Breakfast that the next experience on his list is “Route 66 across America with a Bentley”.
Get well wishes are flooding social media from across the nation.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: “Come on, Captain Sir Tom – we’re all rooting for you.”
TV presenter Zoe Ball added: “Sending all the love and strength to Captain Sir Tom Moore x”
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.”
Prime Minister 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.”
