Captain Sir Tom Moore battles Covid & pneumonia in hospital as PM wishes him 'full recovery' after he 'inspired nation'

BORIS Johnson has wished Captain Sir Tom Moore a "full recovery" after his family revealed that he was battling Covid-19 and pneumonia in hospital.

The war veteran, who was awarded a knighthood by the Queen for raising millions for the NHS, was admitted to hospital in Bedford after struggling with his breathing.

Follow our Captain Tom Moore live blog for all the latest updates on the national hero.

His daughter Hannah said he has been battling pneumonia for the last few weeks and last week tested positive for Covid.

She said that he is currently not in intensive care as she thanked medical staff for doing "all they can" to make him comfortable.

Taking to Twitter the PM led prayers for the Army walking hero telling him that he "inspired the whole nation".

The PM said:" My thoughts are very much with Captain Tom Moore and his family.

"You've inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery."

A spokeswoman for the family confirmed that Captain Tom had not received his Covid vaccine due to his pneumonia medication.

A spokeswoman for his family said: “Because of the medication he was taking for his pneumonia he couldn’t have the Covid jab.

“Everyone is sending positive thoughts his way.”

Captain Tom Moore won the hearts of the nation with his bid to raise money for NHS staff before his 100th birthday on April 30.

The hero set out to reach £1,000 when he started the appeal and has since picked up many awards and was knighted by the Queen.

During the first UK lockdown from March 23, his aim was to walk 100 laps of the 25-metre (82ft) loop in his garden with the aid of a walking frame in Marston Moretaine, in 10-lap chunks.

He went on to raise £32,796,355 for NHS charities.

The statement from the war hero's daughter Hannah reads: "I wanted to update everybody that today my father was admitted to hospital.

"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia 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 on 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 focusing on my father and will update you when we can."

He has not been seen in public since returning from a bucket-list holiday to Barbados with his family after Christmas.

Well-wishes for the national hero poured in after his family revealed his illness.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was sending his "best wishes" to Sir Tom's family.

Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted that he was "praying" for Captain Sir Tom Moore.

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."

Piers Morgan shared a photo of Captain Tom in his garden with a Union Jack flag wrapped around him.

He added alongside the snap: “Come on, Captain Sir Tom – we’re all rooting for you.”

Michael Ball, who recorded a charity single with Captain Sir Tom Moore that reached number one, tweeted: "Love and prayers for @captaintommoore and his lovely family as he battles this b*****d of a virus.

"Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you."

Last July the Queen knighted Captain Tom which was her first face-to-face engagement since lockdown began in March 2020.

Before the ceremony Captain Tom joked: "If I kneel down, I'll never get up again, but I'm sure it'll go well, as she's done it before".

Her Majesty performed the special ceremony at Windsor Castle for the fundraising legend as a special exception.

With her father's sword in her hand, the Queen, 94, lightly touched him first on his right shoulder then his left with the blade – dubbing him a knight.

She told him: "Thank you so much. An amazing amount of money you raised."

Raising money for the NHS is the second time Captain Tom proved himself to be a national hero.

During World War Two, Tom enlisted in 145 Regiment Royal Armoured Corps and was chosen for officer training in 1940, rising to the rank of captain.

He was posted to India and went on to serve his country in Burma, now called Myanmar.

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