SOUTHAMPTON’S biggest hospital has paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who “inspired a nation to support the NHS”.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, the Second World War veteran whose charity walks inspired the nation at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, has died after testing positive for Covid-19.

The 100-year-old charity fundraiser was taken to hospital on Sunday, after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for the virus the week before last.

On Monday, Bedford Hospital said Capt Sir Tom had been joined by members of his family.

In a statement, his daughters Hannah and Lucy said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.”

With the total standing at £32m, the former Army officer, who served in Burma during the Second World War, held the record for the largest sum ever raised in by an individual charity walk.

University Hospital Southampton has expressed their condolences to his family following the news yesterday.

Southampton Hospitals Charity has received £221,000 worth of funding from NHS Charities Together - the charity that Captain Sir Tom Moore raised money for.

The money raised went towards the opening of the Patient Support Hub to support our most vulnerable patients during the pandemic and provides a single point of access for those who may need to isolate or shield.

The service includes accessing community support to collect shopping or pick up prescriptions.

It also helped fund free access for patients to the hospital bedside entertainment system for three months, and specialist psychological support for staff through Staffline, a free phone service.

A hospital spokesperson also confirmed that they are looking at using further funding from NHSCT to fund longer term projects that will support both our patients and staff.

Jeneen Thomsen, Joint Interim Director, Southampton Hospitals Charity said, “Our condolences go out to Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family at this very sad time.

"He inspired a nation to support the NHS and specifically shone a light on hospital charities across the country, for which we will always be grateful.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith, added: "Captain Sir Tom Moore is a hero who captured the hearts of the nation, giving us all hope at the most difficult of times.

"He achieved more in the final year of his life than most will achieve in a lifetime. He truly is an inspiration to us all."

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said: "It's very sad that we have lost Captain Tom Moore due to Covid-19. 

"He was an inspiration to us all during the first lock down and the millions he raised for the NHS will always be remembered."