Dr Thomas Barnardo

Dr Thomas Barnardo

Irish philanthropist

Moustache type: Handlebar

Born: 4 7 1845 (Dublin, Ireland)
Died: 19 9 1905 (London, England, aged 60, angina pectoris)





Dr. Barnardo founded the charity that bears his name in 1866. Today it spends over £100 million a year helping vulnerable children and young people.

He had been alerted to the plight of those whom he made it his life’s work to help after lending his medical expertise in the battle against the cholera epidemic of the 1860s. He was stationed in east London where he was appalled by the number of starving and maimed children sleeping in the streets and filthy gutters. His first children’s home was established in 1870.

The aim of the homes was to admit destitute children regardless of age, sex, religion or nationality. The charity also sought to train the children in skills they could use to find work and support themselves once they reached adulthood.

Dr. Barnardo also set up one of Britain’s first fostering schemes. However, all this worthiness pales in comparison to his marvellous moustache.