Boris Johnson urges the public to join national clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore

Captain Sir Tom Moore died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. Photo: PA.

The Prime Minister has urged the public to join in the show of appreciation for Sir Tom at 6pm tonight, Wednesday, February 3 after the 100-year-old veteran died following a positive case of covid.

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s memory is to be marked with a national clap tonight at 6pm, as tributes continue to be paid to a veteran hailed as having dedicated his life to serving others.

Boris Johnson is urging the public to pay their respects for the 100-year-old as well as health workers on Wednesday evening.

Sir Tom died on Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19 – his death prompted reaction from around the world and charities have vowed his legacy will live on “for years and years.”

Thank you Captain Sir Tom - look how he inspired the North East to do great thin...

Sir Tom set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday last April – but his efforts struck a chord with the nation and donations flooded in.

The House of Commons held a silent tribute for Sir Tom ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions, and Mr Johnson told MPs the centenarian had dedicated his life to serving others.

The Prime Minister said: “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.”

Following his death, Sir Tom’s 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”.

In acknowledgement of his fundraising, he was knighted by the Queen during a unique ceremony at Windsor Castle last summer.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Captain Tom’s contribution of raising more than £32 million for the NHS during the first coronavirus lockdown will be formally marked.

When asked whether a statue might be built, Mr Hancock said “in possibly his home town or where he was born or in London.”

Adding: “Yes, I do think that we should find a way, at the right time, to honour the contribution that he made to the NHS and he was an inspiration to so many people.”

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