Bradford Hospitals’ Charity Pays Tribute To Captain Sir Tom

Thanks to the inspirational actions of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who sadly died last week aged 100, NHS staff and patients in Bradford have benefited from more than £182,000 – with a further £145,000 expected to come.

Yorkshireman Captain Sir Tom, who was born in Keighley, raised more than £33 million during last year’s first national lockdown. And he inspired thousands more people to raise money to support the NHS through the biggest crisis it had ever faced.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – was one of 241 NHS charities in the UK to receive grants from the money he raised.

The NHS Charities Together grants have funded a number of items for staff wellbeing rooms (affectionately known as ‘wobble rooms’), such as furniture, microwaves, fridges and self-care products like barrier creams and toiletries to ensure staff have the space to take a time out and look after themselves.


The charity has invested the grant money to refurbish the Trust Pathology staff room and purchased clothing and equipment for staff who have had to adapt their working practices due to Covid 19. A number of items have been purchased for the Trust’s staff listening service, which provides extra emotional support to staff.

Baby scales have been bought to allow parents to track the weight of little ones remotely, and training items purchased so clinicians can support patients remotely. Patients impacted by the pandemic have benefited too, with grant money funding Samsung tablets, 140 phone chargers, activity items for children and adults, DVD players and books.

Sadly, money has also been spent on memory making kits for those patients receiving end of life care.

NHS Charities Together also provided a £50,000 grant for our charity to invest in projects which support equality and diversity. This money has been used to fund a peer support programme, a humanist chaplain, the production of instructional videos in different languages and learning disability resources.

Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, said:
“It’s difficult to add new words to the countless, heartfelt tributes that have been paid to Captain Tom, who captured our hearts in the darkest of times. But he really was something special – we saw the power of one man to inspire a nation, to instil hope and confidence, humanity, courage and kindness.

“We will forever be indebted to you, Captain Tom: you were just what we all needed at the perfect time.

“As well as providing much-needed hope and inspiration, Captain Tom also raised a staggering amount of money for the NHS – from which we have benefitted directly as a Trust.

“Taking care of the mental health of all colleagues is hugely important, and fundraising from people like Captain Tom means our hospitals have benefited from extra wellbeing resources for staff. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said:
“Not only are we incredibly grateful for the money Captain Sir Tom raised last year, but we are overwhelmed by the support and donations we have received by people who he inspired. Our staff and patients will benefit for a very long time to come.

“Captain Sir Tom showed true Yorkshire grit, determination and good humour at a time when the nation needed it the most. He also boosted the morale of our NHS staff. He did West Yorkshire proud.

“He was born before the NHS was formed and truly valued the NHS and its staff. For it is its people which makes the NHS a truly great organisation.”

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is now working alongside neighbouring NHS charities in Bradford District to organise a fitting tribute to Captain Sir Tom.

In addition to the money received from NHS Charities Together, businesses, schools and individuals across Bradford have also donated directly to Bradford Hospitals’ Charity’s NHS Hospital Heroes appeal, raising a further £202,000.

You can find out more about the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity NHS Hospital Heroes appeal at https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/nhshospitalheroes, or you can donate via Just Giving at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BTHFTCovid-19