BRITS have called for a statue of Captain Sir Tom Moore to be erected in honour and memory of the extraordinary 100-year-old.

Celebrities and politicians have taken to social media, campaigning to get a national memorial for Captain Sir Tom following his incredible NHS fundraiser last year.

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People have suggested putting statues up of the hero outside hospitals as a "symbol of resilience" – while others have called for Captain Sir Tom to be given a state funeral.

Piers Morgan said on Good Morning Britain today: "You could take a dozen of the biggest hospitals in the country. North, South, East, West.

"And just stick a statue of Captain Sir Tom right outside the front. So that everyone that goes in remembers that guy.

"As the guy that when the NHS was reeling, he starting walking."

Carol Vorderman said that the national commemoration should go further – giving Captain Sir Tom a stone in Westminster Abbey.

She said: "I think he deserves a stone in Westminster Abbey because I think he embodies this whole terrible pandemic that we are all living through.

"And so many have lost their grandmas, granddads, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and I think he embodies that.

"We loved him. I think we have genuinely fallen in love with Captain Sir Tom."

One person wrote on Twitter: "If ever a statue needed building it is for Sir Tom Moore."

Another said: "What a brilliant idea to have a statue of Sir Captain Tom Moore outside hospitals, as a lasting memory and tribute to the great man; everyone has taken to their hearts."

Andy Preston, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, also said: "RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore. A true hero of our age.

"Raised £33 million for the NHS at the age of 100! A statue of Sir Tom must surely be erected."

Members of the public have already set up petitions to the Government to get a statue erected in honour of the incredible NHS fundraiser.

Another person said: "In honour of Captain Tom Moore, a statue should be put up in his memory, to commemorate everything he did for our country.

"A statue of Captain Tom with his walking frame, with NHS written on it along with the number of laps he did to raise money. A symbol of resilience."

Meanwhile, others have called for Sir Tom Moore to have a state funeral to mark his "inspirational life and legacy."

Some people have also suggested there should be banknotes and coins commemorating Captain Sir Tom: "Royal mint should design a new £20 note honouring Sir Tom Moore.

"As well as statue, coin and stamps."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the contribution made to the NHS by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised more than £32 million for the health service during the first lockdown, would be formally marked.

Describing him as an "inspiration", Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: "I think we should find a way to make sure we mark the memory of Captain Tom and thank him for the contribution he made for the NHS.

"I will ensure we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment.

"I think everybody would welcome that, I think he has touched the hearts of so many people of all ages.

"He touched the heart of the nation and we should remember that."

The national hero tragically died in hospital yesterday at the age of 100 following his battle with coronavirus.

The war veteran, who raised millions for the NHS at the start of the pandemic, was admitted to hospital on Sunday after struggling with his breathing.

His heartbroken family yesterday confirmed Captain Tom has tragically passed away.

Daughters Hannah and Lucy said in a touching statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore. 

"We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.

HONOUR HIM

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

"Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever."

The hero, who became a beacon of hope as coronavirus first gripped the world, fell ill with pneumonia and last week tested positive for the disease.

The Queen led tributes to the hero yesterday and is sending a private message of condolence to his family.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt 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."

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