Family of Captain Tom releases children’s book of inspiring pandemic stories

‘One Hundred Reasons to Hope’ is now available at all major UK bookshops.

Captain Sir Tom Moore
Published 17th Sep 2021
Last updated 17th Sep 2021

The family of the late Captain Tom Moore has released a children’s book with inspiring stories of hope from the pandemic.

‘One Hundred Reasons to Hope’, published by Puffin, tells astonishing stories from the courage frontline workers to the dedication of the public.

The book includes an introduction by Hannah Ingram-Moor, Captain Tom’s daughter, who founded the Captain Tom Foundation to honour his legacy.

Captain Sir Thomas Moore became a national hero when he raised £38.9 for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden.

Other heroes featured include the dancing binmen of Wolverhampton, who went viral on social media last year with their dancing whilst out on the job.

From each hardback sale in the UK and Ireland, £1 will be donated to the Captain Tom Foundation.

The book was illustrated by Adam Larkum, with stories curated by Danielle Brown, MBE, a double Paralympian gold medallist, children’s author and inspirational speaker for young people.

Hannah Ingram-Moore, Captain Tom's daughter said:

‘My father loved nothing better than hearing people's stories and marvelling at unexpected courage.

‘When we were growing up, my father would say "Don't just talk about the weather. Ask people for an unknown fact about themselves. Then you'll find out who people really are and their lives will probably surprise you." These stories of the unexpected courage of everyday people have done just that. When we spoke together about the idea of this book, my father was delighted that these incredible people would get the recognition they deserved. Always wanting to inspire hope in others, my father would have pored over this beautiful book for hours, breathed in every word and smiled at every illustration.’

Francesca Dow, Managing Director Puffin Books said:

‘One Hundred Reasons to Hope is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates stories of hope in an uncertain world. Stories of kindness, resilience, and community. Stories of everyday heroes. This is the perfect book to sensitively and positively educate young people about the pandemic and contribute to their post-pandemic well-being. Captain Sir Tom gave his blessing to this book and having his daughter Hannah's introduction makes it extra special."

The book is available now at all major UK bookshops.

Hear all the latest news from across the West Midlands on the hour, every hour, on 103.1 and 97.2FM (Wolverhampton, Black Country and Shropshire), 96.4FM (Birmingham), 97 and 102.9FM (Coventry and Warwickshire), 97.6FM, 102.8FM and 96.7FM (Herefordshire and Worcestershire), DAB, at freeradio.co.uk, and on the Free Radio app.