The record-breaking fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore has launched an initiative intended to encourage people to be active and potentially raise charitable funds during the latest lockdown.
The Captain Tom Foundation, which was established after he raised almost £39m, including Gift Aid, for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, said it wanted people to follow his lead by taking part in Walk with Tom as the latest lockdown measures take effect in England.
The charity said it hoped to keep people active, spread hope and ease loneliness, as well as raising funds for the foundation or for people’s preferred charity.
Moore was knighted in July for his fundraising exploits, during which he smashed the record for the highest amount raised on the fundraising platform JustGiving. He originally hoped to raise £1,000.
The foundation said the new initiative encouraged people of all ages to take action, which could include walking to keep themselves happy, to deliver something to someone’s doorstep that might cheer them up, or even just to talk at a social distance.
The foundation said: If you want to walk 100 laps like Captain Tom did, or do a marathon – fantastic, if you want to walk 100 metres, great, if your toddler walks their first steps, amazing!”
Moore said today: “I would like us all to stand shoulder to shoulder (metaphorically!). Let’s try not to get downhearted – we will get through this, whatever is thrown at us, and together we can ensure that tomorrow will be a good day.”
The foundation has four charity partners: the mental health charity Mind, the Royal British Legion, Helen & Douglas House Hospice, and Willen Hospice.