Captain Tom’s helping hand

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Captain Sir Tom Moore raised nearly £39 million for NHS Charities Together during the early COVID-19 pandemic, far surpassing his original £1,000 goal. The funds were used to support NHS staff and patients through mental health services, bereavement counseling, technology for patient communication, and essential resources during a critical period for the health service.

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nearly £39 million raised for NHS Charities Together and its affiliated NHS charities across the United Kingdom. His initial goal of £1,000, set during his garden walks in spring 2020, was vastly exceeded as his campaign captured national attention.

The funds were allocated to a wide range of support initiatives aimed at helping both NHS staff and patients throughout one of the most challenging periods in recent health service history. A significant portion of the donations focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of frontline workers facing extended hours, high stress, and trauma related to the pandemic. These resources financed counselling services, helplines, wellbeing hubs, and dedicated rest areas for exhausted staff.

Additionally, some of the money was directed toward bereavement support for families who lost loved ones amidst social distancing and restrictions on normal funeral practices. Hospitals expanded grief counselling services to assist relatives and NHS personnel coping with loss.

The funds also helped bridge the gap between patients and their families by providing technology like tablets for virtual communication when in-person visits were limited or prohibited. This was especially crucial for vulnerable and severely ill individuals in hospitals.

Beyond mental health and connectivity, the grants supported practical initiatives including provision of food and essentials to NHS workers, volunteer training, the creation of respite rooms, community health projects, and the procurement of medical equipment to enhance patient care.

It is important to note that the monies raised through Captain Sir Tom Moore’s campaign were distinct from those of the Captain Tom Foundation, with all funds being channeled directly through NHS Charities Together.

Overall, this large-scale fundraising effort played a vital role in addressing numerous needs within the NHS during the pandemic’s peak, providing psychological, practical, and technological support at a critical time.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.