Captain Tom

14 February 2021

Captain Sir Tom Moore was born in 1920. In 1940, Moore fought in WW2, serving in India and the Burma campaign. After the war, he worked as a businessman and developed his hobby of motorcycle racing. But what he is best known for is his fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the weeks leading up to his 100th birthday on the 30th April, Captain Tom decided to raise some money for the NHS by walking 100 laps around his garden, hoping to raise around 1000 pounds. To his amazement, by the time he reached 100 years, he had raised almost 33 million pounds. He was celebrated and supported from around the world, even receiving a Knighthood for his feat.

On the 2nd of February 2021, the Captain tragically passed away. A minute of silence was held in the British Houses of Parliament in his honour, and hundreds of people from around the world sent their condolences and thanks to the Captain's family. Many of his supporters have promised that “Captain Tom’s legacy will live on for years to come”.

Matilda Smith