CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore’s legacy will live on “for years and years”, the charities he helped support have vowed, following his death yesterday.

The charity fundraiser, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS during the first lockdown, died at the age of 100 on Tuesday morning after testing positive for Covid-19 following a battle with pneumonia.

NHS Charities Together, the group of hospital charities he fundraised for, have paid tribute to the World War II veteran who was born and raised in Keighley.

He initially aimed to raise £1,000 but after his efforts went viral the total reached almost £33 million and resulted in a knighthood, being made an honorary Colonel, an RAF flyover for his 100th birthday, more than 140,000 birthday cards, book and film deals and a UK number one single.

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said Sir Tom “lifted the spirits of an entire nation” and demonstrated that “you’re never too old, you’re never too anything to care for people and to make a difference”.

She said: “He really was a beacon of hope, the optimism that he brought in and hope to us in a really dark and difficult time for this nation and particularly for the NHS is just incredible.

“He is held in such amazing high regard, he is a national hero and his legacy will live on in the NHS for years and years to come."

The Captain Tom Foundation, which was set up to support causes close to Sir Tom’s heart, said its work would “aspire to ensure Tom’s message of hope becomes an enduring legacy”.

“Whilst we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and will be forever grateful for his optimistic philosophy and wonderful spirit,” a statement said.

“Thank you Captain Sir Tom. Because of you tomorrow will be a good day for so many more.”