I was extremely sad to learn of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore, the centenarian who lifted the spirits of our nation and raised a whopping £39 million for our wonderful NHS. It’s remarkable to think that a humble man we’d never head of 12 months ago has become a national treasure that we’re all mourning, both individually and as a nation.

Sir Captain Tom set himself a simple challenge back in April; he wanted to walk 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday and raise £1,000 for the NHS. But he captured the heart of the nation and, as he continued walking, we continued to donate, and consequently over £39 million was raised for the NHS Charities Together.

Alongside his wonderful fundraising, his rise to fame saw him appear on numerous news outlets and television programmes, record a number one single with Michael Ball, and write an autobiography about his exceptional life. You can read all about his magnificent achievements in his book ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’ which is available to purchase on Amazon (and independent high street stores… when they open!).

While his JustGiving page is no longer open for donations, you can still pledge money to NHS Charities Together by donating to their JustGiving page here. It’s an incredible and worthwhile cause which has the backing of me and so many others across the country. I can’t say thank you enough to the hoards of wonderful NHS doctors, nurses, porters, receptionists, phlebotomists and other fantastic staff that keep the cogs in our healthcare system turning.

I’m certainly channelling Sir Tom’s Great British spirit by remaining positive and upbeat, being resilient and above all, following the Covid rules to the letter. I wish I’d had a chance to thank this wonderful man in person, but I’d like to take this opportunity to send my condolences to his magnificent family who, I’m certain, are extremely proud of all his achievements. In the words of the great man himself ‘tomorrow will be a good day’.