Death of a national hero: Bedfordshire's Captain Sir Tom Moore dies aged 100 after testing positive for Covid

The centenarian won the hearts of the nation during the first lockdown last year with his mission to complete 100 laps around the garden in order to raise money for the NHS.

Ultimately, his endeavours raised over £30million for our frontline health workers, as well as a new foundation raising vital funds for charity Mind, the Royal British Legion and Willen Hospice.

The Second World War veteran went on to be knighted by The Queen for his charitable work.

Yesterday, his family told media he was receiving treatment at Bedford Hospital.

In a statement today, his daughters Hannah and Lucy said: "It is with great sadness 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's 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 care our father received from the NHS and carers over the last few weeks and years of his life has been extraordinary. They have been unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined.

"Over the past few days, our father spoke a great deal about the last 12 months and how proud he felt at being able to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation.

"We politely ask for privacy at this time so we can grieve quietly as a family and remember the wonderful 100 years our father had."