ON the first anniversary of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore, we take a look at how the heroic Second World War veteran inspired people across the region to raise thousands for good causes.
Captain Tom captured the nation's heart during the first national lockdown in 2020 when he raised an incredible £38.9m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
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And the Yorkshireman's actions were far-reaching as people across the UK, including in the North East and North Yorkshire, set themselves challenges incorporating the number 100 in his honour.
Sadly Captain Tom died a year ago today on February 2, 2021 after contracting Covid-19, but his legacy lives on with the Captain Tom Foundation which raises funds for a raft of good causes.
Sir Captain Tom Moore Picture: PA
Here are just a few of the region's charity challenges inspired by Sir Tom's incredible fundraising escapade.
Eileen Leonard, 71, of Ripon Drive in Darlington, completed a four-day trek around her estate on April 30 last year on what would have been Captain Tom Moore’s 101st birthday.
Her efforts were all the more impressive as she was waiting for a knee replacement operation at the time.
She chose to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice because she and her husband, Keith, both volunteered there.
Ms Leonard, who has five grandchildren, set herself the challenge of completing 25 laps of the estate across four days, covering the equivalent of 30 miles.
At the time she said: “I was just in awe of Captain Tom and wanted to do my bit.”
Eileen Leonard, 71, of Ripon Drive, Darlington on her lap challenge Picture: Peter Barron
In Thirsk, a great, great-grandmother who virtually lost the use of her legs completed 100 'stand ups' for Herriot Hospice Homecare before her 100th birthday.
At the time of the challenge in May 2020, Joyce Richardson, 99, found herself unable to walk following a hospital stay whilst recovering from sepsis the previous summer.
She relied on a hoist to help her into chairs but after seeing Captain Tom's exploits, she challenged herself to completing 100 stand-ups before she turned 100 on June 2.
Joyce was no stranger to grit and determination, having served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War.
And her 'stand ups' challenge raised for more than £1,500 for Herriot Hospice Homecare.
Joyce Richardson as a Land Girl during the Second World War, and right, aged 99 at the time of her challenge in May 2020
Also in North Yorkshire, a band of 19 plucky bikers completed a 100-mile trail ride around the Dales and raised £440 for the Captain Tom Foundation.
Together with run leaders Simon Brown and Chris Roberts, the route covered Bishopdale, Coverdale, Wensleydale and Swaledale.
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Among the riders were Askrigg four-time Scott Trial winner Phillip Alderson, who rode his mighty 450cc KTM machine, and Melmerby motor engineer Stuart Blythe, who joined in riding a 450cc Honda.
The bikers completed a 100-mile trail ride through the Yorkshire Dales
In February last year, pupils from Cundall Manor School near Thirsk braved snow and sub-zero conditions to run 100 laps of the school grounds in teams of five.
Pupils also took part in a range of charity challenges after they were asked to come up with an activity that they could perform 100 times.
The activities varied from 100 forwards rolls, laps of the garden, jogs up and down the stairs, trampoline jumps, press-ups, and star jumps to name a few.
Cundall Manor School pupils didn't let the snow put them off their running challenge
Back in Darlington, care home resident Steven Holliday walked up and down the garden at Cygnet Redlands, in Woodland Road, during the national lockdown, completing up to 18 lengths a day.
After finishing the final 40 lengths of his walk before the official end of a lockdown on December 2, 2020, he pledged to donate the money he raised to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Support worker Evelyn Griffiths was among those cheering him on and told The Northern Echo at the time: “Steven has done really well.
"We’ve all been really impressed and some days the staff walked with him, to show our support."
Steven Holliday walked up and down the garden at Cygnet Redlands
Meanwhile, the residents of the Abbeyfield Society in Darlington took part in a sponsored walk in the gardens of Lady Starmer’s former home to raise money for the NHS in honour of Captain Tom.
They raised more than £500 for NHS Charities Together.
Residents of the Abbeyfield Society in Darlington
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