LONDON — On Thursday, the charity regulator in the UK took action against the daughter and son-in-law of the late Capt. Tom Moore, indicating they had personally profited from a charitable organization established in his name. This charity became well-known after Capt. Moore raised an impressive sum of nearly £39 million (approximately $49 million) by walking laps in his garden during the COVID-19 pandemic, an act that captured the hearts of many across Britain through daily television updates during the early days of the crisis. All of the funds raised were donated to the National Health Service in Britain.

The controversy arose following the establishment of the Captain Tom Foundation by Moore’s family, which was intended to further his fundraising initiatives. In a critical report, the Charity Commission for England and Wales found significant financial dealings involving Moore’s daughter and son-in-law, stating they benefitted by nearly £1.5 million (around $1.9 million) from their association with the charity. This included earnings from a book deal and a notable fee of £18,000 for attending an awards ceremony.

In light of these findings, the foundation has requested that the family take corrective actions by repaying the financial benefits they received from the charity. Consequently, the regulator has prohibited Moore’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, from being a charity trustee for the next 10 years, while her husband, Colin Ingram-Moore, is barred for eight years.

The Ingram-Moores have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Charity Commission’s conclusions, claiming that the report was biased against them and reflected a “predetermined agenda.” In their statement, they asserted, “True accountability demands transparency, not selective storytelling.” They emphasized their commitment to preserving Capt. Sir Tom’s legacy, insisting that there has never been any misuse of funds or unauthorized payments made from the charity’s finances by any family member.