Captain Sir Tom Moore, who became a national treasure after his heroic NHS fundraising efforts, has died at the age of 100. 

The Queen paid tribute to the World War II veteran for "the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world". 

In a statement, Captain Sir Tom's daughters said they "shared laughter and tears" during his final days.

“The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable," they said. "He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of." 

Captain Sir Tom had been taken to hospital on Sunday, after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for coronavirus the week before last.

Speaking earlier today, the Most Rev Justin Welby described Captain Sir Tom as “a gift”, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I think one of Sir Tom’s extraordinary achievements is to stand for all of us in the most remarkable way." 

Responding to his death, Welby added that Captain Sir Tom was "the very best of us".

"His courage, compassion, resilience, hope and generosity have been an inspiration to millions - and an example to us all," he said. "Where he walked, a nation followed." 

Captain Sir Tom raised more than £32m for NHS charities after committing himself to walking 100 lengths of his back garden. 

In acknowledgement of his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen in a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in summer 2020.

Following his death, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt 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."

In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: "Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country's deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.

"It is quite astonishing that at the age of 100 he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us through the pandemic.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family."