Captain Sir Tom Moore’s compassion for health care workers is set to live on thanks to a card he sent to London’s Florence Nightingale Museum in 2020.
A simple act of kindness on his part is set to raise vital cash for the museum which, feared for its future last year as visitor revenue vanished overnight due to the pandemic.
A card featuring a picture of Captain Tom and signed by the man who captured the hearts of millions thanks to his efforts to raise money for the NHS at the age of 99, is set to go under the hammer in Hansons Auctioneer’ Iconic 20th Century sale on March 9 with a guide price of £100-£200. It bears Tom’s famous words, ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Florence Nightingale Museum which celebrates the history of nursing.
David Green, museum director, said: “Last summer we teamed up with Hansons to hold an online auction to raise much-needed funds for our ‘Save The Nightingale Museum campaign’. We were delighted and grateful to receive a signed card from Captain Tom, recognising the special link between Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and military personnel, who she cared for.
“Captain Tom was clearly extremely busy in his last months, so his card sadly arrived too late for the auction. However, his family have given us their blessing to use the card now to help us raise funds which we desperately need.We’re very grateful for their support at such a difficult time and send them our deepest condolences. They lost Captain Tom in February and only recently laid him to rest. However, they can, perhaps, take a little comfort from the fact that his positive influence lives on. It’s inspirational to think his work and desire to fundraise continues.
“The Captain Tom card will provide an amazing memento of this very special gentleman. Funds raised will help to secure the long-term future of the museum in these difficult times and help us overcome the many challenges still to be faced until international visitors can return. As well as celebrating the life and times of Florence Nightingale, known as the Lady with the Lamp, the museum inspires people to take up nursing as a career, something Captain Tom, would, I am sure, have encouraged.”
David Green, director of the Florence Nightingale Museum.
Captain Tom, who passed away aged 100 on February 2, 2021, was a former British Army officer who decided to raise money for NHS Charities Together during the Covid-19 pandemic. On April 6, 2020, at the age of 99, he began to walk 100 lengths of his garden in a bid to raise £1,000 by his 100th birthday on April 30. By that day he had raised £30 million. His efforts captivated the world and the final total is expected to reach around £39m.
Rik Alexander, manager of Hansons’ Iconic Auction, said: “Captain Tom’s kindness, selfless determination and strength of character inspired the world. The image of him in his garden, supported by a walking frame, was a humbling sight as millions of people across the globe struggled to cope with the pandemic.
“My Iconic sale is about objects and people that represent something in a certain time period. Years from now, when people remember the pandemic years, Captain Tom will be the iconic face representing the spirit of a nation. He inspired others to do more to help NHS workers on the frontline.
“It’s a privilege to auction this card and I very much hope it raises a significant amount for the Florence Nightingale Museum. Captain Tom may have left us but his legacy and spirit continue to bring hope.”
Captain Sir Tom Moore’s signed card is due to be sold on March 9 by Hansons Auctioneers. To find out more, email [email protected]. Catalogue/bidding platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk.
