Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family join national clap for NHS fundraising hero

The family of Captain Sir Tom Moore have taken part in a national clap this evening in memory of the NHS fundraising hero.

Relatives, including his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore, were pictured applauding outside their home in the Bedfordshire village of Marston Moretaine where the centenarian had also lived.

His loved ones said they were “incredibly touched” by the nationwide gesture.

People across the UK showed their appreciation for the Second World War veteran, who inspired the country in lockdown by raising tens of millions of pounds for the NHS.

He died aged 100 at Bedford Hospital on Tuesday morning after contracting COVID-19.

Nurses and doctors directly involved in the care of Capt Sir Tom, who had been treated for pneumonia, were among those taking part in the clap.

Hospital leaders said the centenarian was a “source of huge inspiration and pride” and they announced plans to create a memorial for him there.

The prime minister, who had called for the nationwide clap, and his fiancee Carrie Symonds applauded on the steps of 10 Downing Street to celebrate the work of the hero.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid his respects as did Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and members of the House.

Across the country, members of the public stood on their doorsteps and balconies, and leaned out of their windows to express their thanks.

Premier League footballers applauded before their matches this evening.

Firefighters clapped and switched on the blue lights on their trucks, health workers applauded, and boats tooted their horns.

A minute’s silence earlier took place in the House of Commons before Prime Minister’s Questions at noon to honour him and all victims of the pandemic.

Mr Johnson praised Capt Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts and said his was a “life well lived” and that he “inspired the very best in us all”.

The centenarian’s death has prompted reaction from around the world, after he raised more than £32m for the NHS during the UK’s first national lockdown.

In a new survey, more than a third of nearly 1,500 adults questioned said they were in favour of a statue of him in Parliament Square, while more than half said he should have a hospital named after him.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock described him as an “inspiration” and said his contribution will be formally marked.

Asked whether a statue might be built to honour his legacy, Mr Hancock told LBC: “Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution that he made to the NHS and he was an inspiration to so many people.”

TV personality Amanda Holden has started a petition calling for a statue of the 100-year-old outside parliament.

Writing on the Change.org website, she described Capt Sir Tom as “a national hero who brought us all together and shone so much light in such a dark time”.

Holden continued: “Let’s show generations to come what it was to be brave, courageous and spirited with a statue of Captain Sir Tom Moore outside the Houses of Parliament forever more.”

Capt Sir Tom planned to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden with his walking frame before his 100th birthday last April – but his efforts quickly struck a chord with the nation and donations flooded in.

He became a national treasure and a household name as a result of the fundraising – and was subsequently knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle last July.

Charities have vowed that his legacy 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 Capt Sir Tom’s heart, said its work would “aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy”.

(c) Sky News 2021: Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family join national clap for NHS fundraising hero