Crunch time for head of charity as he joins Captain Tom 100 challenge

Staff and friends of the charity, based in the grounds of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital near Oswestry, have pledge to take part in challenges based on the number 100 and are urging others to do the same.

The late Captain Tom Moore walked 100 laps of his garden last year to mark his 100th birthday, raising funds for NHS charities. He was given a knighthood for his services to charity and raising spirits during the pandemic.

Now his family have launched Captain Tom 100 asking people to dream up their own challenge, based around the number 100, and undertake it on his birthday weekend, from April 30 to May 3.

Curtis Langley, fundraising and marketing officer for the Movement Centre, said it was proud to be inviting its supporters to take part. He and Ben Hampson will be playing 100 holes of golf in a day, Ann and Chris Norwood are cycling 100 kilometres over four days and the new chief officer of the centre, Johnny Wilkes, has set himself the challenge of completing 100 sets of 500 sit up crunches over 30 days – 50,000 crunches.

"The Movement Centre like many other charities has been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s had a catastrophic effect, with the cancellation of our fundraising events and the loss of thousands in income," Curtis said.

"Captain Tom 100 offers The Movement Centre supporters, of all ages and abilities, the the opportunity to raise crucial funds for our charity, while at the same time celebrating Captain Tom’s generosity of spirit, the hope and joy he brought to millions, and his sense of fun."

He said the challenge could be anything and take place inside or out.

Growing legacy

"It could be walking 100 steps or running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes, climbing 100 stairs, hopping 100 laps of the garden, 100 cars cleaned, writing a 100-word poem, anything at all, inside or out.

"Once supporters have chosen their challenge, they can fundraise or donate to The Movement Centre and share their 100 challenge on social media, using #CaptainTom100."

Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said: “We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received since my father started his record-breaking fundraising walk and that his message of hope was shared with the world. Captain Tom was very proud to be able to leave behind the growing legacy of his foundation.

"We know he would love the idea of inviting everyone to get involved and share their Captain Tom 100 so that together we can ensure ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’. We look forward to celebrating with you on what would have been his 101st birthday weekend – it’s going to be fun!”

Curtis said: "To be involved in such a fantastic event, with everything that is going on is a privilege. We are looking for 15 ambassadors to carry the flag for The Movement Centre for this challenge, and would be delighted if families and supporters would come forward.”

Find out more at CaptainTom100.com or visit bit.ly/3utCNsD to support The Movement Centre.