But the Second World War veteran also won praise for his positive thoughts in the early stages of the pandemic, when he did 100 laps of his garden and captured the heart of the nation. He raised more than £32 million for the NHS.

Here is a selection of quotes from the man whose words encouraged others to look on the bright side throughout the crisis.

Then aged 99, he thanked the public for their donations after raising millions for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden, saying: ‘Our country and all our nations, we’re all so generous in all sorts of ways. But it’s for a super purpose. Nurses, doctors and all the back-up workers, they deserve everything we can give them.’

In April 2020, Sir Tom said of the crisis: ‘We will get through it in the end but it might take time, but at the end of the day we shall all be OK again… the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.’

On his 100th birthday, he added: ‘The past three weeks have put a spring back in my step. I have renewed purpose and have thoroughly enjoyed every second of this exciting adventure, but I can’t keep walking forever.

‘My legs may be tired, but my mind is racing and I’m hoping to be back very soon with other ways in which I can help people, help others.’

The fundraiser remained upbeat throughout the pandemic

Thanking people for their birthday wishes, the fundraiser continued: ‘It is quite extraordinary that I am turning 100. It is even more extraordinary that I am doing so with this many well-wishers and I am in awe at the response my walking has had.

‘To everyone who has donated, sent birthday cards and messages, sincerely thank you. Please stay home, stay safe.’

Reflecting on his life in May 2020, Sir Tom said: ‘When I was 50, I never would have imagined that I was half way through my life. Now that I’m 100 though, it doesn’t feel any different from 99.

‘I’m very pleased that I’ve got to this age though and it’s just a case of seeing how much longer I can hang on.’

Captain Tom walks down a guard of honour during a visit to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Looking back on his memories of VE Day, he said: ‘It was a very important day and everyone concerned was absolutely very pleased that this was the end … the bombing of London, the bombing of other cities … had come to an end. It was a very, very happy day.’

In July, he remembered Dame Vera Lynn visiting troops in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War, as he paid tribute to her on the day of her funeral: ‘There she was, this lovely English girl… she was a great person to give us a lot more confidence and we were very, very pleased to see her.’

Speaking in November about the country sticking together, Sir Tom said: ‘I would like us all to stand shoulder to shoulder – metaphorically!

‘Let’s try not to get downhearted, we will get through this, whatever is thrown at us and together we can ensure that tomorrow will be a good day.’