Captain Tom Moore: Boris Johnson and Piers Morgan among well wishers after news 100-year-old has coronavirus

Former world war two veteran could not be vaccinated because he already had pneumonia

(AFP via Getty Images)

Boris Johnson and other politicians and celebrities have wished Captain Sir Tom Moore well after it was revealed that the centenarian had been admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

On Sunday, the war veteran’s family revealed that Sir Moore had been battling pneumonia for the “past few weeks”, which is why he hadn’t yet been vaccinated against the virus despite being in the most vulnerable category.

After requiring “help with his breathing”, Sir Moore was taken to Bedford Hospital in Bedfordshire.

However, he is not currently in intensive care, his family said in a statement.

Now, the prime minister is just one of the many people to publicly wish a speedy recovery for Sir Moore, who raised more than £30m for NHS Charities after walking 100 laps of his garden last year, an altruistic act that earned him a knighthood.

“My thoughts are very much with @CaptainTomMoore and his family,” Mr Johnson tweeted. “You’ve inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also offered his support. "Thinking of @captaintommoore. Sending best wishes," he tweeted.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan shared a photograph of Sir Moore on Twitter alongside the caption: “Come on, Captain Sir Tom - we’re all rooting for you.”

Others to have wished the 100-year-old well include Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and singer Michael Ball, who earned a number one hit song with Sir Moore, tweeting: “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.”

Chef and Masterchef winner Simon Wood also chimed in with a message of support, tweeting: “Terrible news about Sir Captain Tom Moore has been taken to hospital with Coronavirus. Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery.”

Many organisations have also tweeted their support to the former veteran, including the London Fire Brigade and NHS Charities, which wrote: “We are so sorry to hear that Captain Sir Tom Moore is in hospital. All of our thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family at this time. We owe him so much for inspiring people to support NHS charities.”