A UK-WIDE clap to pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore’s huge contribution to NHS Charities took place on Wednesday.

North Wales has benefitted “hugely” thanks to Captain Sir Tom and others that have donated to the NHS Charities Together’s national Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

Awyr Las has received about £250,000 from NHS Charities Together to support the immediate response to Covid and will be receiving a further £665,000 to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.

Delyth Williams, head of nursing for Emergency Care in Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, said: “Like so many other amazing fundraisers and supporters of our NHS charity here in North Wales, Captain Sir Tom went over and above the call of duty for us, and thanks to him we’ve have crucial support that goes over and above what the NHS can provide.

"His legacy will certainly be felt for years to come by all of us staff, our patients and our volunteers.”

Captain Sir Tom’s death on Tuesday, February 2, after testing positive for Covid-19 has prompted reaction from around the world and charities have vowed his legacy will live on “for years and years”.

His 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”.

Captain Sir Tom directly raised £33 million for NHS Charities Together’s Covid-19 appeal.

Ellie Orton, chief executive for NHS Charities Together, said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a complete inspiration to us all and he did more than anyone to raise vital funds to support NHS patients, staff and volunteers during this crisis, when help was most needed. We owe him so much and we are devastated at today’s news. Our hearts go out to his family.

“Thanks to his amazing efforts, funds have reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities, and they have made a huge difference on the ground, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.

“Captain Sir Tom inspired so many people to take on their own extraordinary challenges, from running marathons to swimming lakes, and he gave us all hope. He showed NHS patients and staff who were struggling that people cared, that they were looking out for them and doing what they could to support them.

“Captain Sir Tom was a one-off and he leaves the world a better place. It has been a complete privilege to be associated with him. His legacy will be felt for years to come by all of our NHS charities and the patients, staff and volunteers we support. When the time is right, we will put together a suitable tribute to Captain Sir Tom, in honour of everything he did for NHS charities.

“Thank you, Captain Sir Tom. We will miss you and we won’t ever forget you. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”

Awyr Las swill be sharing more stories over the next few weeks of how money - raised by Captain Sir Tom - has helped to make a difference.