London, October 25, 2023
In a much-anticipated investigative documentary, Channel 5 dives deep into the life and legacy of Captain Sir Tom Moore, the beloved war veteran who captured the hearts of millions and raised over £32.79 million for NHS Charities Together during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the focus of the documentary, titled Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go?, is not his remarkable fundraising efforts but the controversial aftermath of the money raised and how it was utilized.
Captain Tom’s story began in April 2020 when, at the age of 99, he started walking 100 laps in his garden with the aim of raising £1,000 for NHS Charities Together. His mission quickly gained national attention, turning him into a symbol of hope during the pandemic. His efforts, supported by more than 1.5 million individual donations, culminated in an astonishing £32.79 million raised for charity by the time his campaign ended.
However, the aftermath of his charitable deeds has come under scrutiny. Allegations regarding the financial dealings of the Captain Tom Foundation, established in his name in June 2020, have raised serious concerns. The foundation, intended to support organizations aiding the elderly in the UK, faced investigations by the Charity Commission in June 2022. These inquiries were prompted by worries surrounding the financial relationships between the foundation and members of the Ingram-Moore family, including Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her husband, Colin, who served as trustees.
More recently, controversy arose in July 2023 when the foundation, already under scrutiny, faced backlash for the construction of a building on the family estate. Initially granted permission for a structure connected to its charitable goals, the foundation instead built a pool house, larger than approved. The local council ordered its demolition, further raising questions about the foundation’s financial management.
Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go? aims to unravel the truth behind the funds raised from various sources, including book sales, and the ultimate destination of these funds. People who purchased Sir Tom’s books and made donations believed their money was going to support charitable causes. The documentary will scrutinize these claims, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for the truth.
Federico Ruiz and Adrian Padmore, commissioning editors at Channel 5 and Paramount+, expressed their astonishment at the unfolding developments. “Where did the Captain Tom money go? Forget what you already know; after watching this doc you’ll be seriously questioning every single penny you’ve ever given away for a good cause,” they said.
Executive producer Andy Dunn from ITN Productions acknowledged the global impact of Captain Tom’s fundraising but emphasized the need to critically examine his legacy. “This documentary will examine Captain Tom’s legacy, paying tribute to the man who won the nation’s hearts but also unpick the claims and allegations that have thrown his charitable foundation into turmoil,” he stated.
The documentary promises to be a gripping and revealing account of one of the most inspirational figures of the pandemic era. The nation, once captivated by Captain Tom’s heroism, is now left questioning the integrity of the funds raised and the legacy he leaves behind.
Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go? is set to air on Channel 5 and My5 in the coming weeks, offering viewers a closer look into the man who brought hope to a nation and the unanswered questions surrounding the fate of the charitable funds he raised.
