The Manchester Schoolboy who says Captain Tom inspired him to raise thousands for charity
Tributes are continuing to pour in for the 100-year-old veteran who raised £32million for charity.
People from across the world are sending their condolences to Captain Sir Tom Moore's family following his death at the age of 100.
The army veteran captured the hearts of the nation with his fundraising efforts during the first lockdown in April - raising more than £32 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden with his frame before his 100th birthday.
Inspired by that feat was 10-year-old Ethan Beardow from Gorton.
The schoolboy, who has cerebral palsy and also relies on a frame to walk, saw what Captain Tom had achieved and wanted to do his bit to raise funds for the funerals of people who've died from coronavirus.
Last year he completed 100 laps of a 25m track, raising £69,000 on JustGiving.
Now, he's paying tribute to the man who influenced him to help others:
"Thank you for inspiring me so that I could do what I did. If I hadn't seen him I probably wouldn't have done it.
"He inspired me to join his army and take on the challenge. I felt proud of myself that I set myself a goal and I never gave up and I managed to get through it. He inspired other people to do the walk too and it's very sad news that he's died."
Ethan's mum Kathryn says Captain Tom had a hugely positive influence on her son:
"Me and his dad were quite surprised that he knew who Captain Tom was but he said that he'd seen him on the news. He said 'Mum, can I do that? I want to use my walker and try and do what he's done to raise money' "
Ethan wanted to help families who'd lost loved ones to coronavirus by raising money for funerals.
The Care Workers Charity ring fenced the funds and were able to support struggling families thanks to his efforts.
"We set everything up for him and he was out there in the sun and the rain, he never once gave up. He just kept playing Captain Tom's song over and over again and he said 'I can do this mum' - everyone was extremely proud of him. It was amazing."
Paying tribute to Sir Tom, Kathryn added: "He's absolutely amazing and he's just encouraged Ethan so much. The song just spurred him on.
"We want to say our sincere condolences to Tom's family - and that he will be shining very bright in the sky. He's inspired so many people - he's just a legend."