Captain Tom Foundation Changes Name After Mismanagement Allegations

Captain Tom Foundation Changes Name After Mismanagement Allegations

Captain Tom Foundation Changes Name After Mismanagement Allegations

In a significant turn of events, the Captain Tom Foundation, originally created to honor the legacy of Captain Sir Tom Moore, has made the decision to change its name. The charity, once a beacon of hope and fundraising following Captain Tom’s remarkable fundraising efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, will no longer carry his name. It is now officially known as The 1189808 Foundation, reflecting the charity's registration number. This move follows a series of troubling events that have cast a shadow over the foundation and its management.

The Captain Tom Foundation was established to further Captain Tom’s mission of raising funds for NHS Charities Together, after he raised nearly £40 million by walking laps of his garden during the first lockdown. However, the foundation’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny. After Captain Tom’s death in February 2021, his daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her husband, Colin Ingram-Moore, took over the directorship of the charity. It was only a few months later that the Charity Commission launched an inquiry into the foundation's operations.

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The inquiry revealed significant mismanagement and financial irregularities, specifically involving the Ingram-Moores. The report found that the couple had personally benefited from their roles, with funds intended for the charity being used for personal gain. This included a book deal worth £1.4 million and an £18,000 fee for an awards ceremony appearance. The Charity Commission found these actions to be unacceptable, highlighting a repeated pattern of blurring the lines between private and charitable interests.

As a result, the Charity Commission disqualified both Hannah and Colin Ingram-Moore from holding trustee roles in any charity for extended periods. Despite the disqualification, the couple continued to hold influence over the foundation until the recent name change. The charity has since confirmed that it complied with the family’s request to remove Captain Tom’s name from the organization, citing the family’s desire for a fresh start.

This change comes in the wake of the charity’s ongoing struggles, including a failed attempt to retrieve the financial benefits that the Ingram-Moores allegedly gained improperly. Reports also suggest that Captain Tom’s family has not yet repaid the money they owe to the charity. The Foundation’s spokesperson has commented that, despite the controversy, they felt it was essential to respect the family’s wishes regarding the removal of Captain Tom’s name.

This development has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning the integrity of those involved in the foundation’s management, while others argue that it is a necessary step for the charity to move forward. Despite the setbacks, the millions raised in Captain Tom’s name for NHS Charities Together continue to stand as a testament to his inspiring contribution during a time of national crisis. The charity’s future remains uncertain, but this name change marks the end of an era for the Captain Tom Foundation.

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