Tom's record-breaking Charity Walk, which raised £38.9million for NHS Charities Together, was totally unexpected. What started as a family challenge to walk 100 laps of the garden, and assist with his rehabilitation following a hip operation, became a household story which captured the hearts of the nation.

The family have been humbled by the outpouring of generosity as well as the scores of messages of encouragement from people all over the world. It quickly became clear to the family they could go on helping many more people. And that's how the idea for the Foundation was born.

In Tom's words:

Captain Sir Tom and his family have identified causes close to their hearts which will benefit from the newly formed Foundation:

*Combating loneliness

*Supporting people facing bereavement

*Championing education and equality

*Supporting friends overseas

And they have chosen four charities with whom they will work to provide support and bring hope where it is needed most:

*Mind

*The Royal British Legion

*Helen and Douglas House

*Willen Hospice

Find out more about our charity partners here.

The Captain Tom effect reached well beyond his own charity walk. His actions inspired the fundraising of many more millions of pounds, throughout the world, giving motivation to everyone from five-year-old British school children to war veterans in Russia, Canada and Africa. So, as well as tackling the above causes, The Foundation wishes to inspire a new generation of Captain Toms.

As Tom says

By donating or becoming a fundraiser, you'll be helping us spread hope and be one of the new generation of Captain Toms.