In 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the nation’s heart by raising nearly £40 million for NHS charities during the COVID-19 pandemic. His daughter, Hannah Ingram Moore, was pivotal in managing his public engagements. However, recent revelations have overshadowed the family’s reputation, leading to widespread public scrutiny.
Captain Tom Foundation
Following Captain Tom’s fundraising success, the Captain Tom Foundation was established in June 2020 to support organisations aiding the elderly in the UK. Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, Colin, assumed roles as trustees in February 2021. The foundation aimed to continue Captain Tom’s legacy of philanthropy and community support.
Allegations of Misconduct and Financial Mismanagement
In March 2021, concerns arose regarding the foundation’s financial practices. The Charity Commission for England and Wales began reviewing the charity’s accounts, focusing on potential conflicts of interest and economic mismanagement. Reports indicated that Hannah Ingram-Moore had proposed a salary of £150,000 for her role as CEO, a figure the Charity Commission deemed “neither reasonable nor justifiable.” Eventually, she was appointed interim CEO with a salary of £85,000 per year for a maximum of nine months.
Further investigations revealed that the foundation spent £240,000 on management and fundraising in its first year, while only £160,000 was allocated to charitable grants. To cover various expenses, payments amounting to £37,942 were made to Maytrix Group Limited, a company controlled by the Ingram-Moores. Additionally, £16,097 was reimbursed to Club Nook Limited, another family-controlled company, for accommodation, security, and transportation costs.
Personal Gains from Charitable Activities
The Charity Commission’s inquiry uncovered instances where the Ingram-Moores appeared to benefit personally from activities associated with the foundation. Notably, they received a £1.5 million advance from Penguin for a three-book deal featuring Captain Tom. Despite public belief that proceeds would support the foundation, the funds were directed to Club Nook Limited, with minimal contributions to charitable causes.
Moreover, Hannah Ingram Moore received £18,000 in appearance fees for judging awards ceremonies under the foundation’s banner. Only £2,000 was donated to the foundation, raising questions about aligning personal and charitable interests.
Controversial Construction at the Family Residence
In a separate controversy, the Ingram Moores faced backlash over an unauthorised building project at their Bedfordshire home. They sought planning permission for an outbuilding named the “Captain Tom Foundation Building” for charitable use. However, the structure was repurposed into a spa complex, including a pool, shower, and kitchen. Independent trustees stated they were unaware of this planning application, leading to further erosion of public trust.
Public and Regulatory Response
The culmination of these events prompted the Charity Commission to launch a statutory inquiry in June 2022. By July 2024, both Hannah and Colin Ingram Moore were disqualified from serving as charity trustees or holding senior management positions in any charity in England and Wales for ten and eight years, respectively.
In response to the allegations, Hannah Ingram Moore expressed that the inquiry had “devastated their lives” and described the process as “unjust and excessive.” She emphasised the personal and financial toll on her family, stating that their reputation, built over decades, had been “demolished.”
The Future of the Captain Tom Foundation
Amid the controversies, the foundation ceased accepting donations in July 2023. By January 2025, it was rebranded as “The 1189808 Foundation,” distancing itself from the Captain Tom name. The foundation’s future remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about its potential closure.
