This article relates to spring 2021. Please refer to the latest news for current updates

Your local air ambulance was touched, as were many, by the pure dedication and commitment that Captain Tom gave to raising vital funds at the height of the pandemic. Our Pilots and clinical teams who work alongside NHS emergency services were well aware of the difference the 99-year-old Yorkshire man was making to the NHS workforce, not just financially, but motivationally - and from his own back garden.

When launching this national campaign, Captain Tom’s family would now love nothing more than for his simple messages of hope Tomorrow will be a better day to lift everyone's spirits and encourage us to make a meaningful difference to the charities that have a special place in our hearts.

Friday 30 April would have been Captain Tom’s 101st birthday. To honour him and his amazing achievements, Devon Air Ambulance is inviting everyone, of all ages and abilities, to take on a challenge around the number 100. This can be at any time and take place anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend, which starts on Friday 30th April through to Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May.

The main message is to Do it your own way! Simply dream up your own 100 challenge; it could be something for you to enjoy on your own or with the whole family, like a 100 minutes silence for the kids, or building 100 sandcastles on one of our fabulous beaches, or maybe (for those that enjoy a more strenuous challenge) a 100-minute or 100-mile run through beautiful Devon countryside.

Sally Hilton, Head of Fundraising says:

Your imagination can easily run riot with this challenge, there are so many great ideas and ways that you can be a part of something incredible and become one of Captain Tom’s Army of hope at the same time!

We would love as many people as possible to get on board with this challenge. Apart from the financial benefits, it will allow people to have a bit of fun; you can take part in schools, businesses or with your family and friends.

"The funds you to raise for Devon Air Ambulance will make an enormous difference to those we attend. Over Easter weekend alone we were tasked to 21 missions across Devon and we’re expecting this summer to be our busiest ever. The money you kindly raise in all sorts of wonderful ways really does save lives every day.”

Find out more and choose to fund raise for Devon Air Ambulance on the Captain Tom 100 fundraising pages at Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving.

How to get involved