Captain Sir Tom Moore's family are with him in hospital as he battles Covid and pneumonia after well-wishes pour in
FAMILY members of Captain Sir Tom Moore are with him in hospital as he battles Covid-19 and pneumonia, Bedford Hospital has said.
It was revealed last night that the fundraising 100-year-old is being treated in hospital after developing breathing difficulties.
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On Monday, Bedford Hospital said Capt Sir Tom had been joined by members of his family.
A statement, released with the agreement of his daughters Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, said: "Bedford Hospital continues to care for Captain Sir Tom Moore.
"At this time members of Captain Tom's family are with him.
"We respectfully request that media give the family space and privacy and do not contact them directly so they can focus on their father, grandfather and father-in-law."
The veteran's family had confirmed his illness on Sunday, releasing a statement on Twitter which said he had needed additional help with his breathing and was being treated on a ward but not in ICU.
Sky News reported that the heroic Brit has not had the coronavirus vaccine, because he was being treated for pneumonia.
A spokeswoman for his family told The Sun: “Because of the medication he was taking for his pneumonia he couldn’t have the Covid vaccine."
It was revealed earlier today that Captain Tom smiled in hospital after Boris Johnson called his family to wish him well.
The Prime Minister spoke to his family on Sunday evening and described the war hero as an “inspiration” because of his efforts during the pandemic.
He told Sky News: “I spoke to the family last night and all I can say is Captain Tom Moore has been an inspiration to everybody in this country during this pandemic.
“I think our thoughts and our prayers are now with him and with his family.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace wished Captain Tom Moore a "very speedy recovery".
'INSPIRATION'
Mr Wallace told defence questions in the House of Commons: "I'd like to take the opportunity on behalf of everyone in defence to send Captain Sir Tom Moore our best wishes for his recovery from Covid.
"He continues to be an inspiration to us all and embodying the trust, courage and team spirit – which is the motto of the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate, of which he is the honorary colonel.
"From the newest recruit upwards, we all wish him a very speedy recovery."
It comes after Piers Morgan called Captain Sir Tom a "tough cookie" on today's Good Morning Britain.
He revealed he smiled at the messages of support he's had as he battles Covid.
Piers said: "All our very best wishes got to Captain Sir Tom Moore and his family after the terrible news yesterday that he's been admitted to hospital.
"He's a tough cookie, Captain Tom, we know that. He came through World War Two and a very serious bout himself with ill health which is why he's so very grateful to the NHS."
He told viewers he spoke with Captain Tom's daughter Hannah last night.
Piers added: "I had a little exchange with Hannah last night, sent our very best wishes.
“She was able to tell Tom the message, he smiled and was grateful for all the messages he's getting from all over the world."
The national treasure, who was awarded a knighthood by the Queen for raising millions for the NHS, was admitted to hospital in Bedford.
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.
Captain Tom 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 read: "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.
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