Sheffield performing arts group record emotional video tribute to Captain Tom

Around 60 children who attend Millhouses-based Sheffield Performing Arts made the video - which features poetry, singing and dance - in honour of the inspirational WWII veteran and NHS fundraiser, who died earlier this month.

After performing a poem written by Sheffield author Wayne Biggin, the youngsters sing You’ll Never Walk Alone, a song released by Captain Tom last year, accompanied by a single dancer.

The group’s leader Carolan Copley-Tucci - or ‘Cops’ as she is better known - said that despite the fact they were currently unable to meet, they still wanted to come together in some way to celebrate his life.

She said: “We have all been touched by Captain Tom’s story over the last year and have felt motivated by what he was doing.

“He actually died just after the one year anniversary of my own dad’s death so I just wanted to do something to remember him.

“I know the family are unlikely to see it but we wanted to feel like we had done our bit.”

Cops said the group had struggled to get together over the last year because of the coronavirus crisis, but had still held workshops and even hosted an outdoor performance in the summer.

But she paid tribute to all the parents of children who have contunued to take part in activities and helped them keep them keep going during the last 12 months.

“I’ve had parents saying they wanted to pay a bit extra or double so other children didn't have to stop coming,” she said.

“We set up a fund which raised £1,500 so everybody could continue coming. It has been incredibly moving.

“Everyone has just tried to stay positive and do as much as we can - just like Captain Tom.”

Captain Tom raised more than £32 million for NHS Charities Together by walking in his Bedfordshire garden during the first coronavirus lockdown.

He died, aged 100, on February 2 and will be laid to rest this Saturday, February 27.

To watch Sheffield Performing Arts’ Tribute to Captain Tom, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=usJCMfcXKLk.

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