Boris Johnson to lead 'national clap' for Captain Sir Tom Moore

The Prime Minister will join in with a "national clap" on Wednesday evening to honour the life of Captain Sir Tom Moore, Downing Street has announced.

Sir Tom, who raised almost £33 million for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, died with coronavirus in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 100.

Mr Johnson said Sir Tom dedicated his life to serving others and encouraged people to join in a "national clap" in memory of him.

A tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore is seen on the advertising hoarding at Piccadilly Circus. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Prime Minister told the Commons: "We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.

"That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening."

The 100-year-old's death has prompted reaction from around the world.

Charities have vowed the legacy of Sir Tom, who died on Tuesday morning after testing positive for Covid-19, will live on "for years and years".

A young girl lays a floral tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore in Marston Moretaine, England. Picture: AP Photo/Alastair Grant

His family said the last year of his life was "nothing short of remarkable", and that he had "experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of".

Health secretary Matt Hancock said his contribution will be formally marked.

Describing him as an "inspiration", the minister told BBC Breakfast: "I will ensure we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment."

Asked whether a statue might be built "in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London", Mr Hancock told LBC: "Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution.”."