The centenarian, who raised millions for charity by walking laps of his garden, died in hospital yesterday after contracting pneumonia and Covid-19.

His family said they were moved by the public show of support and would be joining in the national applause ‘with huge love in their hearts’ from their home in the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke out about the national treasure today, saying: ‘When Captain Sir Tom Moore decided to launch a national campaign in his own back garden raising more money and achieving more In his 100th year than perhaps any centenarian in our history, he knew instinctively which organisation he wanted to thank and support. It was and is the NHS.

‘And so tonight, let’s clap together for Captain Tom at 6pm and let’s clap for the spirit of optimism that he stood for.

‘But let’s also clap for all those he campaigned for – our brilliant NHS staff and care workers – and lets do everything we can to carry on supporting them because if we stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives, then in the words of Captain Tom, tomorrow will be a good day.’

Captain Tom’s daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore, with her children Benjie and Georgia and husband Colin Ingram stand outside their residence before taking part in the clap today

NHS staff join in the national applause

Earlier today, the House of Commons fell silent in tribute to Sir Tom ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions, and Mr Johnson told MPs the centenarian had dedicated his life to serving others.

Sir Tom’s death after testing positive for Covid-19 has prompted reaction from around the world and charities have vowed his legacy will live on ‘for years and years’.

Nurses and doctors directly involved in the care of Captain Sir Tom Moore joined the national clap to celebrate his life.

Sir Tom died at Bedford Hospital yesterday.

Medics involved with his care joined the clap to celebrate the veteran’s life – including in a garden dedicated to Sir Tom and his wife Pamela, which opened late last year to mark his achievement raising tens of millions of pounds for NHS charities.

Hospital leaders said the centenarian was a ‘source of huge inspiration and pride’.

And they announced plans to create some sort of memorial for Sir Tom at the hospital.

Boris Johnson and Carrie Clap for Captain Sir Tom

Local residents stand beside a mural of Captain Sir Tom Moore in Clonduff, east Belfast, as they join in with a nationwide clap in honour of the 100-year-old charity fundraiser

NHS Staff stand and Clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore outside of the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, Teesside

A clap in front of Captain Tom Moore graffiti artwork which adorns the walls of Bradley Scott Windows in Tamworth, Staffordshire

Junior soldiers at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Having spoken to colleagues involved in Captain Moore’s care, both in the past few days and over previous years, we know he was a gentleman in person as well as a respected public figure, and he inspired them deeply.

‘We’ll be engaging with our staff, including those frontline care workers who have supported Tom and got to know him over the years, how best to further mark his life, commemorate him and pay permanent tribute to him at the hospital.

‘Tom’s family have been gracious and generous in their praise for my colleagues here at the hospital for their care, kindness and compassion for their father, which we greatly appreciate.

‘I’m proud that tonight I will be among staff at the hospital clapping for Captain Tom.’

Simon Linnett, chairman of the trust, added: ‘He raised millions of pounds which will give huge benefits to colleagues and patients.

‘But more than that was the contribution he made to raising the morale of staff in the NHS and the public – he was a source of huge inspiration and pride.

‘I am immensely proud of all our trust staff who have worked so tirelessly through the pandemic.

‘On their behalf, and those across the community – with the council and other partners all playing a part in his treatment and care – I want to pay tribute to Tom for everything he has done for the NHS and for the country, in a very dark and very challenging period.’