Family of UK's Captain Sir Tom call for fundraising celebration

The family of Britain's Captain Sir Tom Moore, the Second World War veteran who lifted a nation's spirits during the pandemic, are calling for people to raise funds for charity on what would have been his 101st birthday.

Moore struck a chord with locked-down Britain and made headlines around the world by walking around his garden with the help of a frame to raise £38.9 million ($54.1m) for the National Health Service.

His death in February drew condolences from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden's White House.

The news was reported across Europe, the US, Asia and beyond.

A year on from the day he started his walk, his family are inviting people around the world to come up with a challenge around the number 100 and complete it over the April 30 to May 3 bank holiday weekend, marking Moore's birthday.

Examples include writing a 100-word poem or telling 100 people the line that became his catchphrase: "Tomorrow will be a good day."

Proceeds could go to the Capt Tom Foundation or any charity of choice.

"This is about whoever you are, whatever circumstance you are in, invent your challenge around the number 100," Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore told Reuters.

"You imagine if he was still here, he would just be thinking this was the best thing ever."

Ms Ingram-Moore said her father had become a beacon of hope at a dark time.

Having set out to raise £1,000, he made almost £40m in just under a month. In 10 days he received 1.5 million emails.

Moore's 100th birthday was marked by the arrival of 200,000 cards.

"He left us with this incredible gift of hope," Ms Ingram-Moore said of a man who became known for his wit and positive outlook.

"We know that his voice of hope for the world resonates."