Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has led messages in support for World War Two veteran and political activist, Harry Leslie Smith, who is seriously ill in hospital.
His son, John, said the 95-year-old was “not in a good way” and had been taken into A&E.
Reaching out to Mr Corbyn, John wrote: “He asked me to inform you in case things don't work out. I will keep you posted.2
Mr Corbyn replied: “Very sorry to hear this. Please pass on my best to Harry. We need him to get well soon as the National Health Service, and our movement, needs him.”
On Wednesday morning, #IStandWithHarry was trending on Twitter as hundreds of messages were sent to Mr Smith.
Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Mr Smith served with the RAF in Germany and in recent years campaigned on behalf of the NHS.
Mr Smith shot to fame in 2015 when delivering a moving speech to the Labour Party conference, in which he spoke about the NHS and social care.
Mr Smith has been a tireless campaigner against poverty, for the rights of refugees and for keeping the NHS in public hands.
As well as Mr Corbyn, Shadow transport minister Karl Turner added: "Very much hope Harry makes a full recovery. We need him."
A tweet posted on @Harryslaststand on Wednesday morning said: "It is after midnight here but I think he will see the morning and then we will go from there."
