A CHARITY that helps cardiac patients in Southampton has embarked on a fundraising quest in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The team behind Wessex Heartbeat are taking part in Captain Tom 100 – a new charity initiative in honour of what would have been his 101st birthday.

The nationwide campaign has been launched by the former soldier's family.

They are encouraging people to raise money for the Captain Tom Foundation, or a charity of their choice, by completing challenges such as baking 100 cupcakes, building 100 sandcastles or cycling for 100 minutes.

The Wessex Heartbeat team have already got stuck into their own challenges.

These include 100 squats, 100 press ups and 100 minutes of cycling as well as cleaning 100 panes of glass at Heartbeat House, the charity's home from home for cardiac families.

John Munro is the chief executive of Wessex Heartbeat.

He said: "We jumped at the opportunity to support the incredible legacy left by Sir Captain Tom Moore, after being inspired by the challenges that our own fundraisers embark on.

“Captain Tom embodies everything that is good about Great Britain, and his determined nature reflected the bravery and strength we so often see in our cardiac families.

"To be able to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat in his honour is a fantastic feeling.”

Captain Tom, who would have been 101 on April 30, raised almost £33m for charities supporting the NHS by walking 100 laps of the garden at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. He died on February 2.

To donate to the Wessex Heartbeat team, or stage your own challenge, contact Jennifer@heartbeat.org.uk for more details.