Sir Captain Tom Moore, the late war veteran who raised millions for charity during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now under investigation by the Charity Commission. The watchdog is looking into the management of the funds raised by the 100-year-old, who passed away in February after contracting the virus.
Sir Captain Tom became a national hero in the UK after he walked 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the National Health Service (NHS) during the first lockdown in 2020. His efforts captured the hearts of the nation, and he went on to raise over £32 million for NHS Charities Together.
However, concerns were raised about the management of the funds after it was revealed that Sir Captain Tom’s family had set up a separate charity, the Captain Tom Foundation, to handle the donations. The foundation was established in June 2020, and Sir Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, was appointed as a director.
The Charity Commission has now launched an investigation into the foundation’s management of the funds, following complaints from members of the public. The watchdog will examine whether the charity has complied with its legal duties and whether the funds have been used for their intended purposes.
In a statement, the Charity Commission said: “We are aware of concerns regarding the Captain Tom Foundation and are assessing information provided to us, including concerns raised about the charity’s governance and financial management.”
The foundation has defended its actions, stating that it has been transparent in its dealings and has provided regular updates on its activities. It has also said that it has been working closely with the Charity Commission to ensure that it complies with all legal requirements.
Sir Captain Tom’s family has also defended their actions, stating that they set up the foundation to ensure that the funds raised were used in the best possible way. They have said that the foundation has been established to support causes that were close to Sir Captain Tom’s heart, including mental health, education, and the elderly.
The investigation by the Charity Commission is ongoing, and it is not yet clear what the outcome will be. However, the case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of charitable funds. Donors have a right to know how their money is being used, and charities have a duty to ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.
Sir Captain Tom’s legacy as a national hero and fundraiser for charity is secure, but the investigation into the management of his funds serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned charities can come under scrutiny. It is essential that charities operate with transparency and accountability to maintain public trust and confidence.
