Captain Tom has launched a new fundraising initiative to encourage people to stay active and raise money for charity during England’s second lockdown, which began today.
The fundraiser is called #WalkWithTom and asks people to walk whatever distance they like, whenever they like, to raise money for The Captain Tom Foundation.
Captain Tom raised over £30m for NHS Charities Together during the first lockdown by completing 100 laps of his garden ahead of his 100th birthday.
The foundation launched in September and said it will support four different causes: combating loneliness, bereavement support, education and equality and “supporting our friends overseas”.
Charities receiving funding from the foundation in 2020 will be Mind, The Royal British Legion, Helen & Douglas House and Willen Hospice. The organisation will not be taking funding applications this year, but said charities can email it if they wish to be considered “for future support”.
Captain Tom's family 'inundated with requests for support'
Presenting the initiative on its website, the foundation said: “Earlier this year Captain Sir Tom united the nation walking laps of his garden and became the face of hope in dark times. Carrying on his journey, the family have been inundated with requests for support following the announcement of a second lockdown and their desire is that Walk with Tom will unite the nation, ensuring we can face the next few weeks together.
“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! We hope everyone will share their journeys using #WalkwithTom so we can support each other’s achievements and work together to ensure tomorrow will be a good day.”
Captain Tom said: “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.”
