Captain Tom - What's the fuss about?

[scampichips]

Okay I am not knocking Captain Tom at all, he is a brilliant brilliant man.

Although AIBU to wonder why our country has gone bananas over him? All he did was walk laps of his garden, people fundraise everyday and do a lot more! Think of all the marathon runners!

Whenever he is interviewed I think he also seems a bit confused why everyone is making so much fuss too!

I just don't get why our country has become obsessed with him??!

One person raising over 30 million pounds is an amazing thing to do, so for that he deserves every bit of praise and congratulations.

@alsohuman Yes that’s proved your username is perfect for you.

@bluebrian and your post proves you are a complete idiot

@CoolCarrie well said and the most accurate comment on here

He's old and cute so it's a little ray of sunshine and shows mans spirit of endeavour.

Plus he's 100 so takes the mind off death.

@brassbrass you have clearly missed everything that is wonderful about this story.

No John you go away 🙄

@Johng133, I’m genuinely mystified. What did I say that’s so awful?

alsohuman I don't mean he's being selfish! I mean it's selfish of the people exploiting him!

OK brass, got it.

@ isabellerossignol you appear to have omitted the 30 million his efforts have raised for NHS staff

coriander I agree with you but it shouldn't be on Tom's shoulders to raise money for the NHS. Why don't people put their energy into forcing the govt to sort it out. They've been withdrawing funding for years and threatening it's very existence. Tom is a distraction from that. Like the rainbows and the clapping!

What long term changes will be brought about? Tom's money will be squandered away then what? Another Tom?

The money isn’t going to the NHS, it’s going to charities that support it.

@brassbrass your posts about Capt Tom are a disgrace and the best thing you could do is not post anything else

I think his family had a lot to do with it, and are loving all the attention.

@alsohuman and your point is?

Is it just me? Bemused how anyone can post negative comments on here about the Captain Tom story?

The 30 million raised won't make any difference at all to the NHS. I hope it is used to help the families of the key workers who lost their lives

I agree OP it’s all got a bit ott. It’s amazing how much he’s raised and he’s great of course, however I am a bit bewildered by the whole thing. Why are my Instagram stories full of posts wishing him a happy birthday, he can’t see it. I think sheeple is a good word for this.

I think he’s brilliant, from what I’ve seen of him he’s a lovely kind, humble man with good humour. I’ve really enjoyed watching him (and sponsored him).

Is it just me? Bemused how anyone can post negative comments on here about the Captain Tom story?

But you’ve just had a go at me and my comments are entirely positive!

John you're nobody. You don't tell me whether to post or not. HTH.

@brassbrass are you so negative about everything in the world or can’t you just not help yourself.Youve now gone from Captain Tom to the Rainbows and the clapping.What is wrong with you.I know the answer Sad,sadder and saddest poor you

It's a perfectly valid question to ask. Why do some people connect with the public in such a way? There isn't an easy answer but a few reasons:

Timing - he did this not in the immediate lockdown down panic but very very soon after.

Support - his story was amplified by mainstream media at a time when everyone was consuming news.

Hope - his tomorrow will be a better day message resonated with people feeling quite hopeless.

Authenticity - he has lived through the last time the country was in such a dire situation, and survived.

Target - both his birthday but also as the numbers grew. Sense of everyone is doing it so you need to.

Also, the NHS Charities don't replace government funding - it's to pay for things that the NHS doesn't.

And I agree with @brassbrass why is a 100 year old even having to raise money for the nhs!
@Johng133 i think you’re missing brass’s point