The 100-year-old Yorkshireman inspired the nation last month when he raised over £33million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden. Captain Tom – who was made an honorary Colonel following his achievement – had initially planned to raise just £1,000.

Now, on VE Day, Captain Tom Moore has spoken to Express.co.uk to give a message to those fighting COVID-19 in hospitals up and down the country.

He’s told Britain’s heroic key workers the thoughts of the nation are constantly with them in their battle against the pandemic which has caused such tragedy across the globe.

Speaking via Express.co.uk he told NHS doctors and nurses: “Our thoughts never leave you, you’re the most incredible national health workers who are currently fighting this invisible enemy.

“We, the people, are grateful for your support and continue to do everything we can to ensure that you win this battle.”

So far more than 267,747 people worldwide have died with coronavirus.

In the UK the virus has killed more than 30,615 people – including at least 150 NHS and care home workers who died on the front line trying to help others infected with the disease.

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On May 8 1945, Britain and allied forces across the world defeated the Nazis to liberate Europe.

On the 75 year anniversary of the historic victory, today was meant to be a day of national celebration with Brits marking the occasion with festive street parties and lavish picnics.

However, following the outbreak of COVID-19, families have been forced to mark the occasion at home in lockdown.

While it took six years to defeat the Nazis, there is hope the fight against coronavirus could be over far quicker.

Scientists at Oxford University and Imperial College London have already begun human trials for a coronavirus vaccine.

After completing clinical trails in a matter of just weeks, human trials began on April 22.

Sarah Gilbert, Professor of vaccinology at the Jenner Institute, who led the pre-clinical research, has said she has “a high degree of confidence” in the vaccination currently being trialled.

Scientists expect to know whether the vaccine is effective by as early as June.

Hundreds of other trials are also being carried out all over the world and nations work together to fight this common enemy.

READ MORE ON OUR VE DAY LIVE BLOG

With such hope of a treatment for the virus being found in a matter of just weeks, Captain Tom has told our NHS workers to keep their heads high during these dark moments.

The World War II veteran said: “We will have victory, we must all stand together and remain united across gender, race, nationality, social status and age.

“Tomorrow will be a good day.”

Captain Tom joined the army at the start of the Second World War and was enlisted into the eighth battalion of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

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His time in the armed forces saw him posted in India, where he served in Bombay and Calcutta.

The Captain also served in the Arakan Campaign of 1942-1943 to recapture the area of south west Burma from Japanese forces.

His war record earned him three medals: the 1939-1945 Star; the Burma Star and the War Medal 1939-1945.

The medals were on clear display every day that he walked up and down his garden to raise money for the NHS.

While coronavirus means the 75th anniversary celebrations must be more low key, Captain Tom says he remains “extremely proud of our incredible armed forces”.

He told Express.co.uk he will be marking today “in a moment of quiet reflection” with his family.

Captain Tom lives in Bedfordshire with his daughter, Hannah, and grandchildren, Georgia and Benjie.

The veteran added: “We must never forget all those people who died for our freedoms, both in Europe and in the Far East.

“This time 75 years ago many were still fighting so we must never forget them and we must also look to remember VJ Day in August.”

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