Flying the flag for Captain Tom
An army of creative people is making sure “Captain Tom” can fly the flag on the 75th anniversary of VE Day – and it’s all thanks to an idea which started on Wearside.
Scores of people are busy making a giant string of bunting which will eventually be sent to army veteran and champion fundraiser Tom Moore.
Captain Tom had planned to raise £1,000 for the NHS Charities Together cause by completing 100 laps of his garden before he reaches 100.
However, his amazing efforts captured the hearts of people across the country.
He has so far raised more than £25million and completed the challenge well before his birthday.
To say thank you for his amazing effort, the Sunderland-based business ARTventurers has come up with an idea to help Tom mark VE Day’s anniversary on May 8.
ARTventurers founder Fiona Simpson said: “If you are anything like us at Team ARTventurers, you'll have been more than a bit emotional watching Captain
Tom on the news over the last week.
“And particularly sowhen he completed his final lap.
“What a hero and an inspiration to us all.
“We are planning to create a gigantic string of bunting decorated by all of our ARTventurers old and new and any of our other ARTventurers friends and fans.
“We want to decorate Captain Tom's garden for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day next month and to show him how much we all think of him.
“We have produced a template for our ARTventurers to decorate at home with a picture, pattern, painting or message for Captain Tom.”
The final products will also be sent to Fiona and then packaged to be sent to Captain Tom.
ARTventurers is a way for children to enjoy creative play and was formed in 2011.
Now, its a UK-wide business with 30 franchise branches including in Hartlepool, East Durham, South Tyneside and Wearside.
Fiona’s message to her ARTventurers team was: “Thank you so much for being part of it.
“But most importantly, thank you Captain Tom!”
Captain Tom was the guest of honour to open the York Nightingale Hospital yesterday.