Captain Sir Tom Moore has been described as a “real hero” by a 101-year-old fundraiser he inspired.

Dabirul Islam Choudhury raised more than £420,000 by walking 970 laps of his communal garden while fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in April and May last year.

Mr Choudhury said: “Captain Tom Moore has inspired millions in the UK and globally, including me, to step up our efforts during the most difficult times.

“He is our real hero and we will miss him terribly.”

Sir Tom died in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 100 after testing positive for Covid-19.

He rose to prominence during the first coronavirus lockdown last April when he raised £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday and was knighted for his efforts.

Mr Choudhury’s own fundraising drive at his home in Bow, east London, earned him an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year, as well as a chat with Sir Tom himself.

Mr Choudhury said: “He was so kind to encourage me, wishing me well.

“I was so happy that I had the opportunity to meet him virtually.”

Mr Choudhury donated the money he raised to the Ramadan Family Commitment and Love4NHS campaigns run by CHS TV.