Tributes have been pouring in for Captain Sir Tom Moore, following his death at the age of 100.
The World War II veteran first rose to prominence last year, when he raised more than £30 million for NHS charities at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
His family confirmed that he had died on Tuesday, after being hospitalised over the weekend when he contracted coronavirus.
Since the news of his death was announced, Captain Tom has been remembered by a number of celebrities, including Piers Morgan, who interviewed him on several occasions in the last year.
Piers called Captain Tom a “magnificent man” and a “national hero”, writing: ”Let us all heed his mantra in our own lives: ‘Tomorrow will be a good day.’ Thank you, Tom.”
Piers’ Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid also paid her respects, writing: “The man who united and inspired our nation at a moment of deepest despair. Thank you Captain Sir Tom Moore for your service.
“I am heartbroken for your family. A life well lived, and well loved.”
Meanwhile, Michael Ball – who collaborated with Captain Tom on a chart-topping charity single last year – wrote: “Rest in peace. A wonderful life so well lived and a hero and fighter to the very end.”
Other stars have also been posting tributes on social media, including presenters Amanda Holden, Carol Vorderman and Kate Silverton:
In a statement, Captain Tom’s daughters Hannah and Lucy said: “We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.
“We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.”
They added: “The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of.”
“Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever.”