FOREST of Dean Crematorium is set to honour Captain Sir Tom Moore by raising money for causes that were close to his heart to mark what would have been his 101st birthday.

The crematorium in Cinderford, which is run by national operator Westerleigh Group, has been challenged to come up with creative ways to support the Captain Tom Foundation as part of a fundraising push from 35 sites nationwide.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, who would’ve been 101 on April 30, captured the hearts of the nation during the Coronavirus pandemic when he raised an amazing £38.9m for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday.

He also had a number one hit single in the UK with a new version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, which he recorded with singer Michael Ball.

He was knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle in July last year and his efforts also earned him two Guinness World Records, one for raising the most amount of money in an individual charity walk and another for being the oldest person to top the UK singles charts.

He died on February 2 this year at Bedford Hospital after being treated for pneumonia and then testing positive for Covid-19.

The Captain Tom Foundation was launched in May 2020 to ensure that his inspiring message of hope would become a lasting legacy, and it has launched the ‘Captain Tom 100’ campaign to coincide with what would have been his 101st birthday this month.

To take part in the campaign, people are being encouraged to undertake fundraising challenges based around the number 100, whether that be baking 100 cakes, walking 100 meters or writing 100 letters.

As part of the Forest crematorium’s efforts, site manager Hannah Giles has pledged to pedal 100 miles on her indoor bike to raise money.

On the challenge, Hannah said: “I don’t know whether I’m going to do it in 10-mile stints or 50-mile stints, I’m just going to go with the flow.

“I’m doing it from home but I am hoping for good weather so I can take my bike outside and enjoy the sunshine.

“I used to cycle a long time ago but haven’t in a while so this is totally out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to get back on track with the cycling and this is the perfect way to start.

“Captain Tom was kind and gentle-natured to others in need and was a real inspiration to everyone.”

Hannah added that group were keen to take part in the campaign due to the foundation’s work with those facing or coping with bereavement.

“The Captain Tom Foundation raises money for charities and organisations which were close to his heart, including several which support people, and their families, with life limiting illnesses and who are facing or coping with bereavement”, she continued.

“This resonates with our work, which is why Westerleigh Group and Forest of Dean Crematorium were keen to support the foundation and honour Captain Tom’s 101st birthday.

“Anyone in the community who has used our crematorium can be part of our fundraising effort, by making a donation to our new Just Giving page.

“The senior leadership team at Westerleigh has got our fundraising started with a £500 donation.

“Through the efforts of our colleagues and the support of our communities, Westerleigh Group wants to be able to make a meaningful donation to the Captain Tom Foundation to mark what would have been in his 101st birthday.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so through Westerleigh Group’s Just Giving page, mentioning Forest of Dean Crematorium in their donation message, at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/westerleigh-group.