Tributes pour in for 'beacon of hope', 'hero' Captain Sir Tom Moore

Tributes are pouring in for Captain Sir Tom Moore who passed away this week after battling pneumonia and COVID-19.

The 100-year-old UK war veteran raised millions of dollars in 2020 for healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic by completing 100 laps of his garden.

He had been in hospital since February 1, but on Wednesday morning his daughters confirmed Sir Tom had died.

"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," they said.

"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."

Buckingham Palace has released a statement on Twitter saying the Queen, who knighted Captain Tom in July, had "very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom" and her thoughts were with his family.

"The Queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore."

In a short speech posted to social media, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Sir Tom "a hero in the truest sense of the word".

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world."

The country's Health Minister Matt Hancock agreed.

"He was a great British hero that showed the best of our country," he said.

In a post to Twitter, the British Army said they were sad to hear of his death.

"It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore," they said in a statement. "An exceptional man and soldier to the end, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

The UK's National Health Service, which received the money raised for Sir Tom's walks, said: "Thanks for everything, Sir Tom."

Other UK politicians have also shared their condolences, including British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer.

"This is incredibly sad news," Starmer said. "Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero."

Reuters/ Newshub