The daughter and son-in-law of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Colin Ingram-Moore, have been barred from serving as charity trustees.
This decision comes as part of an ongoing inquiry by the Charity Commission, the regulatory body overseeing charities in the UK.
The family strongly disagreed with the Charity Commission’s ruling, stating they find it profoundly distressing and financially burdensome. They have opted not to appeal, citing the emotional toll and the hindrance it poses to moving forward. They criticized the Commission for prolonging their ordeal and questioned the motivations behind what they perceived as a relentless pursuit.
Key points highlighted by the family include their assertion that no misappropriation or unauthorized payments were made from the charity’s funds, including public donations. They emphasized that independent trustees have maintained complete financial control since the foundation’s inception in June 2020.
The inquiry into The Captain Tom Foundation was initiated in 2022 following concerns about the charity’s management and its independence from the family’s commercial interests. Despite efforts to contest property-related issues, such as a spa pool block at their residence, legal challenges have not been in their favour.
The foundation was established following Captain Sir Tom Moore’s inspirational fundraising efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he raised £38 million for NHS charities. Initially registered as a grant-making charity for promoting public health and wellbeing, the foundation’s operations have now been uncertain amidst the ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Helen Stephenson, CEO of the Charity Commission, emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in charities, especially following the immense public support garnered by Captain Tom Moore’s charitable endeavours. The Commission’s decision to open a formal inquiry reflects its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in philanthropic organizations.
