Captain Tom Moore’s Charity: Family Accused of Misconduct and Mismanagement in £1.4m Book Deal
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s Charity Fundraising & Family’s Controversy
Captain Sir Tom Moore gained fame during the Covid-19 pandemic by walking in his driveway and raising £38.9 million for NHS charities. After his death in February 2021, his family created the Captain Tom Foundation to continue his legacy. However, a recent report from the Charity Commission raised concerns about the family’s actions regarding the charity.
£1.4 Million Book Deal
The report stated that neither Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, nor her husband, Colin Ingram-Moore, donated any of the £1.4 million received from his book deal to the charity. The commission found that the couple benefitted personally from the foundation, leading to public mistrust in charities.
Allegations of Misconduct
David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s chief executive, noted a “pattern of behavior” in the couple’s conduct that blurred private and charitable interests. The report identified misconduct and mismanagement, stating the foundation did not reflect the values of serving others. The Ingram-Moores benefited significantly from their roles, which included high salaries and personal payments related to charity events.
Books as a Commercial Endeavor
Captain Tom’s memoir and accompanying books were expected to support the foundation financially. However, no funds from the publishing deal were directed to the charity, contradicting promises made to publishers and the public. The family was asked to rectify this by donating but refused.
Conflicts of Interest
The report also highlighted potential conflicts of interest. Hannah Ingram-Moore was paid as the foundation’s interim chief executive while serving as a judge for the Virgin Media Local Legends Awards. She did not disclose this arrangement to the charity trustees, creating a situation that the charity commission deemed as misconduct.
The Spa Complex Incident
The Ingram-Moores constructed a building near their home, initially planned as a charitable venue. However, it included private amenities like a spa pool and was later deemed unauthorized, leading to its demolition. The commission found that the couple had used the charity’s name for personal gain.
Consequences of Findings
In July 2023, the commission disqualified the Ingram-Moores from charity trustee roles for several years. They urged the couple to return funds to the Captain Tom Foundation to support other charities. The foundation’s spokesperson expressed hope that the Ingram-Moores would comply without further action.
Family’s Response
The Ingram-Moores claimed the inquiry was unfair and took a toll on their health. They stated they never benefited financially from public donations and criticized the commission’s process as excessive.
These revelations have impacted public trust in the Captain Tom Foundation and raised questions about the responsibilities of charity leaders to prioritize transparency and integrity.