BRITISH PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson is among those sending well wishes to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who is in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 100-year-old charity fundraiser was taken to Bedford Hospital yesterday, after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for Covid-19 last week.
Moore’s fundraising efforts raised more than £32 million (over €36 million) for the NHS, walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the first lockdown in April.
The veteran set out to raise £1,000 (€1,130) from his lockdown charity challenge but his efforts struck a chord with the nation, and praise and donations flooded in.
In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.
Boris Johnson tweeted yesterday evening: “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.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent a get well soon message, and tweeted: “You’ve been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis.”
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. https://t.co/Gm0S07umgd
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 31, 2021
The veteran’s family confirmed his illness yesterday, with a statement on Twitter which said: “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 they 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 focussing on my father and will update you when we are able to.”
A spokesman for Moore’s family told the BBC that he had not yet received a Covid-19 vaccine because of the medication he has been taking for pneumonia.
Other figures have also sent their regards to Capt Sir Tom, including vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi who said he was “praying” for him and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who thanked the NHS for his care.
“Hoping for a speedy recovery and to see Captain Tom back home with his family soon,” Khan added.
Michael Ball, who recorded a charity single with Moore that reached number one, tweeted: “Love and prayers for @captaintommoore and his lovely family as he battles this bastard of a virus.
“Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you.”
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