In Defense of Captain Tom’s Daughter: A Justification for Keeping Book Profits

Captain Tom’s Daughter Defends Decision to Keep Book Profits

Last year, the world mourned the loss of Captain Sir Tom Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran who captured hearts around the globe during the first coronavirus lockdown by raising £38 million for NHS Charities Together. In the wake of his passing, questions have arisen about the handling of his book profits. Hannah Ingram-Moore, Captain Tom’s daughter, recently defended the family’s decision to keep the proceeds from his books, stating that there was no agreement with her father that the money would go to charity.

Autobiography and Charitable Foundation

Captain Tom’s autobiography, titled “Tomorrow Will Be a Good Day,” was published in 2020. In the book’s prologue, Captain Tom expressed his desire to raise even more money for his foundation through its sales. However, according to Ms. Ingram-Moore, her father wanted the profits from the books, which reportedly amount to £800,000, to be kept by the family in a separate company rather than being donated to the Captain Tom Foundation. It is important to note that there is no indication of any illegal action taken by Ms. Ingram-Moore in keeping the book profits.

Ms. Ingram-Moore stated, “These were my father’s books, and it was honestly such a joy for him to write them, but they were his books.” She emphasized that her father had made the decision for the money to remain with the family and mentioned that the books were “never anything to do with the charity.” She clarified that the family did not make decisions on behalf of Captain Tom; he independently decided what to do with the income from the books.

Legacy and Controversies

Captain Tom’s incredible fundraising efforts during the pandemic have solidified his place in history as an inspiring figure. However, questions surrounding the Captain Tom Foundation and Ms. Ingram-Moore’s involvement have caused controversy. The foundation, established in Captain Tom’s honor, is currently the subject of a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission. The inquiry was launched over a year ago to investigate the foundation’s finances.

An additional controversy arose when it was disclosed that Ms. Ingram-Moore was paid thousands of pounds through her family company, Maytrix Group, for appearances related to her late father’s charity. At the time, she was the interim chief executive of the Captain Tom Foundation and received an annual salary of £85,000. Despite her appearance fee being paid to Maytrix Group rather than the foundation, Ms. Ingram-Moore stated that she gave £2,000 of the £18,000 fee to the charity.

Charity Donations and Planning Disputes

Furthermore, the Captain Tom Foundation has ceased accepting donations after being ordered by planning officials to demolish an unapproved spa pool block constructed on the premises of Ms. Ingram-Moore’s home. The building, initially approved for the use of the occupants and the foundation, was granted planning permission in August 2021. However, revised plans that included private elements such as a spa pool, toilets, and a kitchen were submitted in February 2022 and subsequently rejected by the Central Bedfordshire Council.

A demolition order was issued, but it has been appealed, and a hearing is scheduled for later this month. The current investigation into the foundation’s finances and the planning disputes have raised questions about the management and use of funds within the organization.

Editorial and Advice

The handling of Captain Tom’s legacy raises important questions about transparency and accountability in charitable foundations. While Captain Tom’s daughter has defended the family’s decision to keep the book profits, the public may have expected a different arrangement given the sentimental and fundraising value associated with Captain Tom’s autobiography.

When a loved one’s legacy is closely tied to charitable endeavors, it is essential to ensure that the spirit and intentions of their philanthropic work are respected and upheld. Clear communication and transparency regarding financial decisions within a foundation are crucial to maintaining the trust of supporters and the public.

In order to avoid potential controversies and disagreements, it is advisable for families involved in charitable work to have open discussions about the allocation of funds and assets. It is essential to establish a clear understanding of the wishes and intentions of the individual whose name the foundation bears. Additionally, seeking professional advice from lawyers, financial advisors, and nonprofit experts can help ensure the smooth operation and ethical management of a charitable organization.

The current inquiries into the Captain Tom Foundation and the disputes over book profits and planning permission serve as reminders of the need for transparency and rigorous oversight within the charitable sector. As the world continues to face ongoing challenges, it is crucial that charitable organizations are held to the highest standards of accountability and uphold the values they seek to promote.

Ultimately, the goal should always be to maximize the impact of charitable efforts and honor the legacy of individuals like Captain Tom, who dedicated their lives to making a positive difference in society.