Family of UK fundraiser calls for worldwide charity effort

The family of Capt Sir Tom Moore, the British Second World War veteran who set out to lift national morale during the coronavirus pandemic, are calling for people to raise money for charity on what would have been his 101st birthday.

Moore made headlines around the world by walking around his garden with the help of a frame to raise £38.9 million ($54.1m) for the National Health Service.

His death in February drew condolences from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden’s White House.

The news was reported across Europe, the US, Asia and beyond.

A year on from the day he started his walk, his family invited people around the world to come up with a challenge around the number 100 and complete it in the April 30 to May 3 holiday weekend, when Moore’s birthday will be marked.

Examples included writing a 100-word poem or telling 100 people the line that became his catchphrase: “Tomorrow will be a good day.”

Proceeds could go to the Capt Tom Foundation or any charity of choice.

“This is about whoever you are, whatever circumstance you are in, invent your challenge around the number 100,” Moore’s daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore told Reuters.

“You imagine if he was still here, he would just be thinking this was the best thing ever.”

Ms Ingram-Moore said her father became a beacon of hope at a dark time.

Having set out to raise £1,000, he made almost £40m in about a month. In 10 days he received 1.5 million emails.

Moore’s 100th birthday was marked by the arrival of 200,000 cards.

“We know that his voice of hope for the world resonates,” Ms Ingram-Moore said of a man who became known for his positive outlook.