Captain Sir Tom's family invites the world to celebrate in new initiative
One year on from the day (6 April) that the late Captain Sir Tom Moore started his world-famous 100 laps around his garden, his family is inviting the world to celebrate Captain Tom’s life, his generosity of spirit, the hope and joy he brought to millions and his sense of fun by taking part in a new fundraising initiative over what would have been his 101st birthday weekend.
The Captain Tom 100 invites everyone to dream up a challenge based around the number 100 and complete it anytime and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend (Friday 30 April to Bank Holiday Monday 3 May) to raise funds or donate to The Captain Tom Foundation or another charity of their choice.
Everyone is encouraged to join in the Captain Tom 100 and “Do it Your Way”; whether it’s walking 100 steps or running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes, climbing 100 stairs, hopping 100 laps of the garden or park, building 100 sandcastles, writing a 100-word poem, telling 100 people “Tomorrow will be a good day”, flipping 100 pancakes – anything at all, inside or outside (but in line with current government social distancing guidelines).
Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said: “We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received since my father started his record-breaking fundraising walk and that his message of hope was shared with the world. Captain Tom was very proud to be able to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation and the Captain Tom 100 feels like the perfect way to celebrate the hope and joy we know he inspired in so many. He would have loved the idea that everyone could get involved and that together we would ensure that ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’. We look forward to celebrating with you and seeing how you do the Captain Tom 100 – your way.”
Captain Tom would have turned 101 on Friday 30 April 2021.
Charities across the board have been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s had a catastrophic effect, with the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events and the loss of an estimated £10 billion in income leading to charities unable to provide services at a time when vulnerable people need them most. A significant number of charities have had to use the government’s job retention scheme and restructure teams while reducing services. Many charities are still in desperate need of financial support.
Thousands of schools across the UK and overseas will be encouraged to get involved, with resource packs available for teachers online, a host of suggested activities for different age groups and certificates to download for children who take part.
The Captain Tom 100 is organised by The Captain Tom Foundation and supported by the Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO), adam&eveDDB, LiveWire Sport and Studio Republic (all working pro bono).