SPA LIVING
THE controversial spa and pool complex built at the £1.2million home of Captain Tom's family has been revealed for the first time.
Hannah Ingram-Moore and husband Colin spoke of their "regret" over building the poolhouse at their seven-bed property as cameras were let inside.
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The couple had told planners they wanted an office for the charity set up in her dad's name.
But what was meant to be a small charity office for the Captain Tom Foundation actually became a poolhouse with changing rooms, toilets and showers.
The couple used the charity’s name in the design and heritage statement, before applying for retrospective planning permission.
They were subsequently ordered to tear down the spa and pool complex, which also contained an aerial, after their planning application was rejected.
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Speaking to TalkTV's Piers Morgan Uncensored at her Bedfordshire home, Hannah said: "We have to accept that we made a decision, and it was probably the wrong one."
But despite the admission, the family have refused to ditch their appeal against having to tear it down.
Instead, they are still holding out for the verdict in the faint hope they can still enjoy 50ft by 20ft facility - which they insist they paid for themselves.
During the bombshell interview, airing at 8pm on Thursday night, the family also confessed to pocketing money from the £39million NHS fund-raising veteran.
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A tearful Hannah revealed they kept £800,000 from the three books her dad had written, adding that he had wanted them to keep the profits.
Husband Colin said: "This was one of the most difficult interviews of my career... the bottom line is they should never have accepted or kept a penny from anything to do with Captain Tom and public money.
“It wasn’t just a clear conflict of interest, and deeply unethical, it was a betrayal of his legacy.”
The family also admitted no one now wants to touch them or their associated companies.
Sir Tom became a national hero by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden shortly before his 100th birthday.
He was later knighted by Queen Elizabeth for inspiring the nation.
But Sir Tom sadly later caught Covid and his death was announced on February 2, 2021 — sparking nationwide grief.
Nearly all the £39million her dad helped raise was paid directly to NHS Charities Together.
The Captain Tom Foundation was set up as a separate charity to receive further donations.
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