GOOD Morning Britain viewers were in tears today as Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore after his death.
ITV dedicated the entirety of its three hour flagship show to the fundraising hero the morning after her died from coronavirus.
The show opened with the hosts’ heartfelt thoughts on an extraordinary man.
Piers said: “Captain Tom inspired us all and this morning our show is dedicated to him.”
Susanna continued: “He put the great into Great Britain. Today we remember the courage and determination of a man who captured the hearts of young and old.
“From humble beginnings, the war veteran that became a symbol of hope,” said Piers. “A shining light in the darkest of times. We celebrate this remarkable man’s remarkable life.”
As his co-host added: “And it’s our honour to be able to do so.”
Pictures of Captain Tom were shown behind them, including his record-breaking fundraising walk and his knighthood from the Queen.
Viewers were moved by the memories of Captain Tom, with one writing on Twitter: “As a 64 year old I have to admit I had tears In my eyes for this wonderful man . We need to be more like him . Rest in peace sir.”
A second posted: “Watching @GMB, tears streaming down my face, never met him but he touched all our lives through this awful pandemic, after reading his book it makes you feel like you did know him, a true gentleman, love to @captaintommoore family xxx.”
While another said: “I am in tears this morning WATCHING GMB the beautiful tribute to such a beautiful inspirational gentleman.”
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 had 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.
“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.”
His grieving daughters praised the “extraordinary” NHS and carers who helped their father in the last weeks and year of his life.
They branded them “unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate” and thanked them for “giving us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined”.
The statement added: “Over the past few days our father spoke a great deal about the last 12 months and how proud he felt at being able to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation.
“We politely ask for privacy at this time so we can grieve quietly as a family and remember the wonderful 100 years our father had.
“Thank you.”
