'He inspired us all:' Sheffield hero, 10, in tribute after death of Captain Sir Tom Moore

That was the simple but heartfelt message shared this afternoon on behalf of 10-year-old disabled Sheffield sports hero Tobias Weller following the death of NHS fundraising hero Captain Sir Tom Moore from coronavirus at the age of 100.

Tobias, from Beauchief, was inspired to follow in the footsteps of the World War Two veteran – and the pair were both honoured for their fundraising efforts at last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, were the pair also met.

The ten-year-old was presented with the inaugural Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero Award at the bash in December.

Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, captured hearts by completing not one but two marathons in the streets around his home, raising over £150,000 for his special school Paces and Sheffield Children’s Hospital where he goes for treatment.

And Paces paid tribute on behalf of Tobias following the death of Captain Sir Tom earlier today, tweeting: “He inspired us all, including our very own@CaptainTobias9

“We send all our love to his family and friends. Captain Sir Tom, rest in peace.”

Tobias cannot walk or stand unaided and initially began his challenges when a 1km sponsored walk in his local park was cancelled by coronavirus.

During lockdown he became known as ‘Captain Tobias’ in honour of Captain Sir Tom who raised millions of pounds for the NHS by walking 100 laps around his Bedfordshire garden.

And for part of the awards ceremony, Tobias met Captain Sir Tom who himself was presented with the Helen Rollason Award for his phenomenal fundraising efforts during the first lockdown in the spring by Sheffield’s Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.

In a socially-distanced meeting filmed ahead of the ceremony, Tobias said: “It’s awesome. He was so inspirational to me during my marathons and now I’ve met him in person that’s amazing – that’s bonkers!”

In reply, Captain Sir Tom described Tobias as “a very very marvellous young man” who he was “absolutely delighted” to meet.

Tobias said: “I can’t believe I’ve won. I feel magnificent.

“This award is extra special because it’s the Captain Tom Award and that means so much to me. I just feel tremendous.”

Dame Jessica, who joined Tobias for the last kilometre of his second challenge in August, described the pair as two “incredible incredible people”.