Let’s honour Captain Tom’s 101st birthday weekend with a fundraising celebration

On 6 April 2020, Captain Tom Moore set out around his garden to thank our NHS heroes for their efforts in caring for the nation during the pandemic. He made it his mission to raise money for the NHS charities Covid-19 appeal, by doing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, walking 50 meters each time. In doing so, he planned to raise £1,000.

His simple message of hope – “Tomorrow will be a good day” – inspired millions around the world and brought comfort and joy to so many of us during the pandemic. And it’s fair to say that his story captured the heart of the nation. One year on, a knighthood, and £39 million later, his family are asking people to follow in his footsteps.

Moore, who sadly died in February, would have turned 101 on Friday 30 April. To honour him and his amazing achievements, his family hope to turn his birthday weekend (Friday 30 April - Monday 3 May) into a fundraising celebration. They are urging us to use that weekend to come up with our own challenge based around the number 100 - the Captain Tom 100.

“This is to ensure that that message of hope is his lasting legacy,” said his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore. “He gave us hope, so we’ve got to keep hope going. He said to us: ‘This is yours. I started it, now do it your way.’”

So, now it’s our turn to build on his legacy.

The pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on charity fundraising, with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of an estimated £10bn in income. There really is no better time to challenge yourself and raise funds for a good cause, whether that be Captain Tom’s Foundation or another worthy charity of your choice.

You could run 100 metres, score 100 goals, build 100 sandcastles or bake 100 cakes – whatever you choose. The latter, his daughter says, would have been one of her father’s favourites because he loved a Victoria sponge.

Check out some friends of The Captain Tom Foundation taking on the challenge:

The challenge can be carried out anytime and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend. Challengers are encouraged to share videos and pictures on social media as they take on their challenge, using the official hashtag #CaptainTom100.

As for his family, they plan to walk their own laps to raise as much money as they can. What a wonderful way to honour his memory and to continue Captain Tom’s legacy.

You can find out more about the Captain Tom 100 challenge and download your fundraising pack to get started. Or you can donate directly to the Captain Tom Foundation.