Captain Tom Moore admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID
Watch: Britain's 'Captain Tom' lockdown hero hospitalised with Covid-19
Captain Tom Moore has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, his family has said.
In an update posted on Captain Tom’s Twitter account, his daughter Hannah said the 100-year-old had been being treated for pneumonia over the last few weeks and had tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
She said he was admitted to Bedford Hospital on Sunday (January 31) after needing extra help with his breathing.
He is being treated in a ward but is not in ICU, she said.
— Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) January 31, 2021
She wrote: “I wanted to update everybody that today (Sunday 31 January) 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.
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“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.”
She added: “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.”
Captain Tom won the hearts of the nation - and raised £33 million for NHS charities - after he set out on a challenge to walk 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday in 2020.
He became ‘Sir Tom’ after being knighted by the Queen in a private ceremony in Windsor Castle in July.
.Praying for you Sir. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) January 31, 2021
News of Captain Tom’s hospital admission sparked an outpouring of from well-wishers, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He 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.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was sending his “best wishes” to the veteran’s family, while 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****** of a virus. Stay strong Sir. We are all here for you.”
Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted that he was “praying” for Captain Tom, while 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.”
Watch: What is long COVID?