BRADFORD Council leader Susan Hinchliffe has led the district's tributes to ‘inspirational’ Captain Sir Tom Moore, who has died aged 100.

The Keighley-born 100-year-old has died after testing positive for Covid-19 and being admitted to hospital on Sunday.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“He was a great inspiration to many people with his fighting spirit and optimism during this pandemic.

“The huge amount of money he raised for the NHS showed how his efforts inspired people, not just in the UK but all around the world.

“It was a story of hope, determination and, as a man who was Keighley born and bred, of true Yorkshire grit.

“Captain Sir Tom was one of the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as well as that, he was a remarkable man whose compassion for the pandemic compelled him to do his bit to help despite his age.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Doreen Lee, says ‘we have lost a proud son of the district’.

She said: “I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom. 

“We have lost a shining beacon of selflessness and a proud son of the district. 

“What he did to raise nearly £33m for the NHS charity was both remarkable and inspirational. 

“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “Keighley has lost one of its finest today, and I know people right across our town, and the whole of Yorkshire will be sending their sympathy, love and best wishes to his daughters Hannah and Lucy, as well as the whole family.

“Captain Sir Tom Moore had a remarkable life, and was an inspiration to us all. He brought the whole country together during our dark times and showed his true Yorkshire grit and determination to raise over £30 million for our incredible NHS. Keighley is exceptionally proud of Captain Sir Tom and his memory will no doubt live on for decades to come.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Imran Khan, of IK Collections, met Captain Sir Tom Moore at his home to design new suits for the fundraiser, rightImran Khan, of IK Collections, met Captain Sir Tom Moore at his home to design new suits for the fundraiser, right

Meanwhile, a Bradford-based designer has branded Captain Sir Tom Moore a ‘true hero’ after meeting him last summer.

IK Collections, led by owner Imran Khan, contacted the 100-year-old Keighley-born World War Two veteran offering to design and make three suits for him.

Captain Sir Tom replied and invited Mr Khan to his home where he completed his 100-lap challenge which raised more than £32 million for NHS charities.

Captain Sir Tom tried on his three suits for the first time when he came home to Keighley last July.

Mr Khan said: “It’s so sad to hear what has happened.

“He was just a true hero. I feel so sorry for his family.

“I remember when I went to see him last year and we sat down and I asked him what type of design did he want for his suit. He said ‘whatever is in fashion’. I started to laugh. That has stayed in my head and my heart all of the time.”

The University of Bradford paid their own tribute to Captain Sir Tom, who theyt called a ‘shining example during dark times’.

The fundraising centenarian was honoured by the university last year when he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

The honorary degree was awarded for his service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in recognition of being an outstanding role model to people in the Bradford District and around the UK.

Shirley Congdon, Vice Chancellor at the University of Bradford, said it was a sad day for the nation but added Sir Tom had been an inspiration to millions around the world.

“Captain Sir Tom Moore was an inspiration to the entire nation.

“He was a shining example during dark times and he has left a legacy his family and the country can be proud of.

“He was awarded an honorary degree from our University in October for his services to the nation during the Covid-19 pandemic. In accepting this award, he sent a message to our students, telling them to have hope in their hearts and adding that tomorrow would be a better day.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Here is more reaction from social media to Captain Sir Tom's death: