Captain Tom 100 train will make 100 stops for charity... including in Cornwall
It is part of a a 40-hour journey across the south-west, starting on what would have been the pandemic hero's 101st birthday
Last updated 30th Apr 2021
The train named after Captain Sir Tom Moore will make 100 stops during a charity challenge, starting on what would've been the veteran's 101st birthday.
Great Western Railway is sending the Captain Tom Centennial on a 40-hour journey across the south-west, to support the Captain Tom 100.
It will arrive in Penzance just before lunchtime on Friday 30th April, after setting off from London Paddington at 06.37am.
"What makes calling at 100 stops in the 'Captain Tom Centennial' so unique is the geographical challenge. Normally our Class 800 trains wouldn't travel down to the South West but we wanted to do our bit to ensure Captain Tom's legacy lives on and reaches all parts of the GWR network.
"We were delighted to name a train in his honour last April following requests from both colleagues and customers. Now we're hoping people will enjoy following the progress of the 'Captain Tom Centennial' and donate in the name of Captain Tom".
GWR Head of Communications, Dan Panes
What is the Captain Tom 100?
On 6th April last year, Captain Tom set out round his garden to thank the nation's NHS heroes.
One hundred laps later, he had raised £38.9 million for the NHS Covid-19 appeal.
His simple message of hope - 'Tomorrow will be a good day' - inspired millions around the world and brought comfort and joy to many during the pandemic.
Captain Tom sadly passed away on 2nd February this year. Friday 30th April would have been his 101st birthday and to honour him and his achievements, the Captain Tom Foundation is urging everyone, of all ages and abilities, to take part in the Captain Tom 100.
Captain Sir Tom’s daughter and Co-Founder of The Captain Tom Foundation, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said: "My father would have simply loved the idea of the ‘Captain Tom Centennial’ train making an epic journey as part of this special event.
"He was very proud to leave behind the growing legacy of his Foundation and would have really enjoyed watching people across the country uniting to have fun and inspire hope with their Captain Tom 100 challenges. It’s going to be a very special few days".
You can read more about the charity challenge and find out how to donate here.
Where can I see the train?
Intercity Express Train 800025, which bears the name Captain Sir Tom Moore, will make a mammoth 100 stops at stations across the GWR network in just over 40 hours, covering nearly 1,500 miles.
The 'Captain Tom Centennial' will start passenger service from London Paddington at 0637 on Friday 30th April, taking in routes to Penzance, Swansea, Hereford and Bristol Temple Meads over the following hours.
The stops in Cornwall will include those on the main line between Saltash and Penzance.
Friday 30th April:
0637 London Paddington - 1141 Penzance
1215 Penzance - 1729 London Paddington
1818 London Paddington - 2121 Swansea
Saturday 1st May:
0622 Swansea - 0912 London Paddington
0950 London Paddington - 1204 Hereford
1318 Hereford - 1624 London Paddington
1730 London Paddington - 1902 Bristol Temple Meads
2057 Bristol Temple Meads - 2234 London Paddington
You can follow the Captain Tom Centennial's journey on Facebook Live here.