Captain Sir Tom Moore: Lancashire youngsters set to take in special Captain Tom 100 challenge to mark what would have been his 101st birthday

Last year, the Second World War veteran set himself a challenge of walking 100 lengths of his garden in time for his 100th birthday, and raised more than £32.79 million for NHS Charities Together in doing so.

>>>Click here to read how Lancashire paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

Now, The Captain Tom Foundation has teamed up with London Marathon Events to celebrate Captain Tom’s life, and have organised The Captain Tom 100 challenge.

Morning assemblies have been replaced today with a YouTube broadcast by Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Sir Tom, and featuring a special message from PE with Joe star, Joe Wicks.

To join in, children have been asked to take part in a challenge of their choice centred around the number 100.

Hannah Ingram-Moore, youngest daughter of Captain Sir Tom, said: "We love the idea of millions of children watching the same thing at the same time and then running, hopping, skipping, dancing, baking, sewing, writing, drawing or whatever else they might want to do to raise money.

“Children are a primary focus of this campaign which celebrates inclusivity and diversity and allows absolutely everyone to do their little bit in my father’s memory. Let’s continue what my father started. It’s continuing where he left off.”

One of the places taking part in the challenge is Stanley Grange in Samlesbury, a small community for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.

From 3pm, around 40 staff and clients will be encouraged to wear take part in 100 steps, 100 yards or 100 miles - with many hoping to complete their laps in fancy dress.

Residents from each house will be taking part together, in a socially-distanced way.

The activities will be sponsored, with all monies raised going to charities named on the Captain Tom Foundation website.

Kevin Phoenix, who has organised the event, and who will be playing guitar while activities run, said: "We wanted to do this because Captain Sir Tom was very inspiring, and this is our little way of saying thank you and remembering him.

"We are also very keen to raise money for charities supported by Captain Sir Tom's foundation, particularly those that help young adults' mental health, which has been affected in lockdown.

"And above all, it's going to be fun for all of us."