'A shining light'
GMB viewers in tears as Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid pay tribute to national hero Captain Sir Tom Moore
GOOD Morning Britain viewers were in tears today as Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore after his death.
ITV dedicated the entirety of its three hour flagship show to the fundraising hero the morning after he died from coronavirus.
5
The show opened with the hosts' heartfelt thoughts on an extraordinary man.
Piers said: "Captain Tom inspired us all and this morning our show is dedicated to him."
Susanna continued: "He put the great into Great Britain. Today we remember the courage and determination of a man who captured the hearts of young and old.
"From humble beginnings, the war veteran that became a symbol of hope," said Piers. "A shining light in the darkest of times. We celebrate this remarkable man's remarkable life."
As his co-host added: "And it's our honour to be able to do so."
5
Pictures of Captain Tom were shown behind them, including his record-breaking fundraising walk and his knighthood from the Queen.
Viewers were moved by the memories of Captain Tom, with one writing on Twitter: "As a 64 year old I have to admit I had tears In my eyes for this wonderful man . We need to be more like him . Rest in peace sir."
A second posted: "Watching @GMB, tears streaming down my face, never met him but he touched all our lives through this awful pandemic, after reading his book it makes you feel like you did know him, a true gentleman, love to @captaintommoore family xxx."
While another said: "I am in tears this morning watching GMB the beautiful tribute to such a beautiful inspirational gentleman."
The war veteran, who raised millions for the NHS at the start of the pandemic, was admitted to hospital on Sunday after struggling with his breathing.
5
5
His heartbroken family yesterday confirmed Captain Tom had tragically passed away.
Daughters Hannah and Lucy said in a touching statement: "It is with great sadness that 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’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."
5
His grieving daughters praised the "extraordinary" NHS and carers who helped their father in the last weeks and year of his life.
They branded them "unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate" and thanked them for "giving us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined".
The statement added: "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.
"Thank you."
Touching family statement in full
It is with great sadness that 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’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.
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.
Thank you,
Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira
Most read in News TV
The hero, who became a beacon of hope as coronavirus first gripped the world, fell ill with pneumonia and last week tested positive for the disease.
His daughter Hannah said on Sunday her dad was not in intensive care as she thanked medical staff for doing "all they can" to make him comfortable.
Bedford Hospital said Capt Sir Tom had been joined at his bedside by members of his family.
The Queen had led tributes to the hero today and is sending a private message of condolence to his family.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.
"Her thoughts, and those of the Royal Family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world."
Boris Johnson called him a "hero in the truest sense of the word" as he also offered his sympathies.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The PM spoke to Captain Sir Tom’s daughter Hannah this afternoon to pass on his condolences and offer any support the family may need.
The flag above No10 has been lowered to half mast to honour the veteran.
Topics