Captain Sir Tom Moore, who brought hope to the nation, has died after contracting coronavirus

Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32m for NHS charities by walking a hundred laps of his garden in Bedfordshire, has died in hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

The 100-year-old, who was knighted for his fundraising efforts by the Queen last year, brought hope to people during lockdown.

He had been unable to have the Covid vaccine as he had been struggling with pneumonia over the past few weeks. On Sunday he was admitted to Bedford Hospital as he needed help with his breathing.

In a statement, Capt Sir Tom's daughters, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said: "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."

The flag at No 10 Downing Street has been lowered to half mast and the Prime Minister has contacted Captain Sir Tom's daughter Hannah to give his condolences.

Boris Johnson called him "not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world".

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt 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."

The army veteran, who was originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, joined the army at the beginning of World War Two and served in India and Myanmar. After the war he managed a concrete company.

NHS Charities Together said some of the money he raised has been used to assist people suffering bereavement due to COVID-19.