Captain Tom Moore in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus

Knighted veteran receiving treatment for pneumonia and hopes to return home ‘as soon as possible’

Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old Second World War veteran who was knighted after raising millions for the NHS, has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

Sir Tom is being treated for pneumonia on a ward in Bedfordshire after needing additional help with his breathing, his daughter said in a tweet from her father’s account.

He is not in intensive care and his family hope that he will return home “as soon as possible”, Hannah Ingram-Moore added.

“I wanted to update everybody that today my father was admitted to hospital,” she said in a statement.

"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for Covid-19.

“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.

"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."

A spokesman for Sir Tom's family told the BBC that he had not yet received a Covid-19 vaccine because of the medication he has been taking for pneumonia.

Boris Johnson 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.”

Vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted that he was “praying for you Sir”, while health secretary Matt Hancock said he was “sending my best wishes". 

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "The whole nation hopes you get well soon Captain Tom Moore. You've been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis."

Sir Tom raised almost £33m for NHS Charities Together by participating in a fundraiser in the lead up to his 100th birthday.

Having initially set a target of raising £1,000 by walking 100 lengths of his garden, Sir Tom quickly became a household name after news of his efforts spread.

He broke two Guinness world records and was knighted in a special open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in July.