Independent investigation launched into accounts of Captain Tom Foundation
The Captain Tom Foundation was founded in June 2020 by the beloved army veteran's family, and aims to support the older generation and promote social inclusion.
A watchdog has announced it is to independently investigate The Captain Tom Foundation after concerns were raised over its accounts.
The Captain Tom Foundation was founded in June 2020 by the beloved army veteran’s family after he became a household name in a bid to continue his efforts, and aims to support the older generation and promote social inclusion.
But The Charity Commission – which is an independent, non-ministerial government department – has been working with the organisation since March last year after issues surrounding its governance arose, and now, following the publication of the charity’s accounts on Friday, which were widely publicised, the watchdog has confirmed a case has been opened looking at its regulatory compliance.
According to the published accounts – which cover the charity’s first year from 5 May 2020 to 31 May 2021 – The Captain Tom Foundation accumulated £1.1 million in donations, and paid out grants to four charities worth £40,000 each.
However, it also spent £209,433 on support costs – including £162,336 on “management”.
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Of these named management costs, £126,424 was spent on “fundraising consultancy fees”, and £20,884 was used in “advertising and marketing expenditure”.
The financial statement also showed reimbursement costs of £16,097 paid to Club Nook Limited – a company which is run by Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore – and these costs were for said to be for accommodation, security ,and transport relating to Captain Tom “travelling around the UK to promote the charitable company”.
Today marks one year since the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
On this anniversary, we remember a figure of inspiration who showed the world how much you can still achieve, even at the grand age of 100. He gave hope to the world and is dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/HB7nhmOeD7
— The Captain Tom Foundation (@captaintommoore) February 2, 2022
Speaking on the investigation, a spokesperson for The Charity Commission said: “We have been in ongoing contact with the trustees of the Captain Tom Foundation on its set-up and governance arrangements and as part of this work will now assess the charity’s recently submitted accounts.”
It said it had an open regulatory compliance case into the charity, but that did not mean it had made any finding of wrongdoing.
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In response, Stephen Jones – Chair of Trustees for The Captain Tom Foundation – said: “As a young charity, we have been working closely with the Charity Commission since we launched, and we welcome their input following the publication of our recent audited annual accounts.”
Captain Tom – who was born in Keighley in Yorkshire, and sadly passed away back in February 2021 at aged 100 after testing positive for COVID-19 – captured the hearts of the nation in April 2020 after he raised over £39 million for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before becoming a centenarian.
After first receiving a title of honorary colonel, Sir Tom was then knighted by the Queen during a unique open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle in July 2020.
Featured Image – Captain Tom Moore
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2022 
