OSWESTRY business Aico has pledged to join in the national Captain Tom 100 Challenge, in aid of town-based charity, The Movement Centre.

In April 2020, then Captain –and now Sir – Tom Moore touched the hearts of the nation, raising £38.9 million for the NHS Covid-19 appeal by completing 100 laps of his garden.

In order to honour him on what would have been his 101st birthday, the Captain Tom Foundation is encouraging everyone to get involved with the challenge and fundraise for excellent causes.

Jane Pritchard, Aico’s community liaison, says they have decided to take on the challenge and raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

“The Movement Centre are a charity which we have supported in various ways for many years, and we were delighted when they approached Aico to get involved," she added.

"We had already agreed to support The Movement Centre’s ’Sponsor a Child’ campaign this year and this was an ideal opportunity to get some fundraising underway.

"Our colleagues have been coming up with some weird and wonderful ideas for the Sir Captain Tom 100 challenge so far.

"We are really pleased that every colleague will be getting involved in some sort of challenge and contributing towards our fundraising goal."

In 2021, The Movement Centre celebrate its 25th birthday and aim to raise more than £150,000 to mark the occasion, with all funds going toward the critical work they do for their young patients.

Aico colleagues are already getting creative with their challenges including a 100-minute danceathon, running 100km, 100 press-ups, a 100-metre space-hopper sprint and even eating 100 Yorkshire puddings!

Curtis Langley, fundraising and marketing officer for The Movement Centre, said: "The Movement Centre is delighted to be involved in Captain Tom 100.

"We want to urge all of our families and supporters to come up with their own 100 challenges. To be involved in such a fantastic event, with everything that is going on is a privilege.

"We are so pleased to have Aico flying the flag for The Movement Centre with this challenge."

To keep up to date with Aico’s challenges and to donate, please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AicoInTheCommunity