Hornby produces model train named after Bedford's Captain Tom Moore

A model train has been named in honour of Bedford's Captain Tom Moore who raised over £32million for the NHS.

In April, Hornby was inspired by the wonderful fundraising effort by Captain Tom Moore, from Maraston Moretaine, to produce a model of the GB Railfreight Class 66 diesel locomotive which had been named after him, with the profits going straight to the NHS.

This month marks 100 years since Frank Hornby announced the first clockwork tinplate locomotive. This pioneering product led to his name becoming synonymous with model railways and that wonderful heritage continues to this day.

Over the last century much has happened including world wars, economic crises and of course this terrible global pandemic which hit our shores earlier this year.

Initially, the company ensured that it was able to survive the crisis physically, emotionally and financially.

They then looked at ways to help others, the main focus was on supporting the National Health Service, offering discounts to NHS and Emergency Service operatives.

Lyndon Davies, CEO Hornby, said: "In April, quite a lot of our staff across the world were affected by COVID-19 in some way, and a lot of our staff had family or friends on the frontline.

"As the situation developed, and our employees suffered the loss of their loved ones around the world, we felt that we had to do more.

"We were inspired by the amazing fundraising efforts of Captain Tom Moore for the NHS and decided to produce a model of a locomotive that had been named after him, with all the proceeds going to the NHS.

"We experienced an overwhelming demand and sold out within hours of release, raising approximately £140,000 for NHS Charities Together, which will be donated on the launch of the model, later this year."