CLAP FOR TOM
Sir Captain Tom Moore: Boris Johnson to lead clap for war hero and NHS at 6pm TONIGHT
BRITAIN will come together at 6pm tonight to clap hero Captain Tom and his beloved NHS.
The war veteran, 100, who raised £32million for the NHS, died yesterday following a battle with Covid and pneumonia.
Follow the latest news and tributes to Captain Tom Moore on our live blog...
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Brits are being urged to take to their doorsteps to celebrate Captain Tom's legacy and the tens of millions he raised.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead the clapping from 10 Downing Street this evening and today urged as many as possible to come out and show their respects.
The fundraising legend's family are supporting the moment to honour his brilliant life
A tweet from Captain Sir Tom Moore's Twitter account said they were "incredibly touched" his memory will be honoured with a national clap.
The tweet said: "They will be taking part with huge love in their hearts for their father, grandfather and father-in-law."
The clap every Thursday became a tradition during the first lockdown as Brits took to their windows, doorsteps and balconies to thank those working on the Covid frontline.
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It returned last month as the UK was plunged into a third lockdown - with the event renamed Clap for Heroes.
Boris told the Commons: "We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.
"That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening."
A minute's silence was also held in the House of Commons today ahead of PMQs to honour Captain Tom and all those who have died during the pandemic.
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Paying tribute, Boris added: "Captain Sir Tom Moore dedicated his life to serving his country and others.
"His was a long life, lived well whether during his time defending our nation, his time as an army officer, or last year bringing the country together through his incredible fundraising drive for the NHS, which gave millions the chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us during this pandemic
"As Captain Tom repeatedly reminded us: Tomorrow will be a good day. He inspired the very best in us all and his legacy will continue to do so for generations to come.
"We now all have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.
"That's why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening."
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The touching tribute comes as polling for The Sun reveals the public want a major hospital named after the fundraising veteran.
Around 57 per cent say they support the idea according to a survey done overnight the pollsters Opinium.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence are looking at plans for a ceremonial funeral for Captain Tom Moore, The Sun can reveal.
Ministers have given their blessing to military honours for the late 100-year-old legend.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said Captain Tom was a "hero for everybody."
She said: "We'll all be standing by and clapping for him this evening at 6pm as the Prime Minister has announced.
"There's a special place in all our hearts for Captain Tom in terms of what he did, you know he was a he was a light of inspiration at a time we have suffered a great deal individually and nationally over the last 12 months.
"I think all of us will think of him very fondly and really cherish the work that he did throughout the pandemic to raise funds, but also to lift the soul of the nation in the way which he did."
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock said his contribution will be formally marked.
Describing him as an "inspiration", the minister said: "I will ensure we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment."
Asked whether a statue might be built "in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London", 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."
NATIONAL TREASURE
Captain Tom's daughters yesterday announced the war hero had tragically passed away in hospital.
Hannah and Lucy said in a touching statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
"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.
"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."
His grieving daughters praised the "extraordinary" NHS and carers who helped their father in the last weeks and year of his life.
They branded them "unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate" and thanked them for "giving us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined".
The statement added: "Over the past few days our father spoke a great deal about the last 12 months and how proud he felt at being able to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation.
"We politely ask for privacy at this time so we can grieve quietly as a family and remember the wonderful 100 years our father had.
"Thank you."
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The hero, who became a beacon of hope as coronavirus first gripped the world, fell ill with pneumonia and last week tested positive for the disease.
His daughter Hannah said on Sunday her dad was not in intensive care as she thanked medical staff for doing "all they can" to make him comfortable.
Bedford Hospital said Capt Sir Tom had been joined at his bedside by members of his family.
The Queen had led tributes to the hero today and is sending a private message of condolence to his family.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.
"Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world."
Boris Johnson called him a "hero in the truest sense of the word" as he also offered his sympathies.
The PM spoke to Captain Sir Tom’s daughter Hannah this afternoon to pass on his condolences and offer any support the family may need.
The flag above No10 has been lowered to half mast to honour the veteran.
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Mr Johnson said: "Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word.
"In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country's deepest post war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.
"It is quite astonishing that at the age of 100 he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us through the pandemic.
"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family. "
The war veteran won the hearts of the nation with his bid to raise money for NHS staff before his 100th birthday on April 30 last year.
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His aim was to raise £1,000 walking 100 laps of the 25-metre (82ft) loop in his garden with the aid of a frame.
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The champ then vowed to keep on walking while people were still donating after he achieved the amazing feat on April 16.
Staggeringly, he went on to raise £32,796,355 for NHS charities and received a knighthood from the Queen.
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A look back at Sir Captain Tom's amazing achievements which captured the nation's hearts
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