The Captain Tom Foundation has recently announced that it has ceased accepting donations following the revelation that Captain Tom’s daughter will be required to demolish an unauthorized home spa. This development coincides with an ongoing investigation by the Charity Commission into the foundation’s finances. The planning authorities had issued an order to demolish an unapproved structure at Captain Tom’s daughter’s residence, which was intended to house a spa pool. Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband Colin had submitted an application in 2021 to construct a building for the Captain Tom Foundation on their property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. The plans specified that the building would be used in connection with the foundation and its charitable objectives. Central Bedfordshire initially approved the plans, but a subsequent application in 2022 for a larger structure with a spa pool was rejected. The council spokesperson stated that an enforcement notice had been issued, demanding the demolition of the unauthorized building, and an appeal has been made to the Planning Inspectorate.
Focus on the Statutory Inquiry
The Captain Tom Foundation has stated that its primary focus at present is to fully cooperate with the ongoing Statutory Inquiry conducted by the Charity Commission. Consequently, the foundation is not actively seeking any funding from donors and has decided to close all payment channels for the duration of the inquiry. The foundation intends to await the findings of the inquiry before making any decisions regarding its future. The Charity Commission initiated a case into the foundation in March 2021, shortly after Captain Sir Tom Moore’s passing, and subsequently escalated it to a statutory inquiry in June of the same year. The inquiry is primarily concerned with the management of the charity and its independence from the veteran’s family.
The Legacy of Captain Sir Tom Moore
The Captain Tom Foundation was established as a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, a centenarian war veteran who gained national acclaim for raising £39 million for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps around his garden in April 2020. His incredible efforts earned him knighthood from the late Queen. Unfortunately, Captain Sir Tom passed away in February 2021. The foundation has been instrumental in continuing his charitable work and preserving his legacy.
In summary, the Captain Tom Foundation has temporarily halted donations due to the controversy surrounding the demolition of an unauthorized building and an ongoing investigation by the Charity Commission. The foundation is fully focused on cooperating with the inquiry and awaits its findings before making any decisions about its future. The foundation was established to honor the remarkable achievements of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who captured the nation’s hearts with his fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together.
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