The Captain Tom Foundation faces further scrutiny as allegations emerged this week that its co-founder Hannah Ingram-Moore, the daughter of the late record-breaking war veteran, was paid thousands of pounds through a family company to appear at a charity award ceremony.

The BBC Newsnight report this week claims that Ingram-Moore, who is a former interim chief executive of the charity she, was paid thousands to help judge the Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Foundation Connector Awards in 2021 and 2022.

However, it is reported that her fee was paid to her family company rather than the Foundation. The BBC claims that Ingram-Moore did not seek approval from the charity’s trustees before entering into the commercial agreement with Virgin Media O2.

“We worked directly with the late Sir Captain Tom to recognise community groups and charities that went above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a Virgin Media spokesperson.

“When payment was made, we were not aware of any concerns about Ms Ingram-Moore’s family companies or the Captain Tom Foundation that have since come to light after our campaign and relationship with Captain Tom finished.

“It’s worth emphasising that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media started working with Capt Tom directly during lockdown – prior to any concerns were raised about governance at the Foundation or Ms Ingram’s companies, and the project has long since finished.”

This is the latest allegation at the charity, which has been the subject of a Charity Commission investigation since last year over its management.

“Our inquiry into the Captain Tom Foundation remains ongoing, a spokesperson for the regulator told Charity Times.

“Its scope includes examining whether the trustees have adequately managed conflicts of interest, including with private companies connected to the Ingram-Moore family."

Last month the Captain Tom Foundation announced it had closed all its funding and donations payment channels amid further allegations to arise that Ingram used the charity’s name to build a spa and pool complex at her home.

The charity was launched in June 2020 after Captain Moore attracted widespread publicity for raising money for NHS Charities during a sponsored walk during Covid lockdown. His fundraiser raised more than £38m for NHS Charities Together, a record for the most money raised for an individual charity walk.

Captain Tom died at the age of 100 in February 2021.

The Captain Tom Foundation’s trustees have been contacted for comment.

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