Watch this woman completely transform herself into 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore – using only makeup and body paint.
Tara Jenkins, 37, used more than 60 brushes to turn herself into the late veteran, as a tribute.
Tara, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, said: “It wasn’t meant to be funny because it was a tribute – but I think my very Welsh voice coming out of an old man got to everyone.
“I followed him through all his charity work and he’s a 100-year-old man, I thought what can I do after all he’s done?
“It’s a small, little town where I am and everyone’s very critical and believes it’s just the flu, but seeing someone like him who raised so much money get it too, it was a reminder to everyone that it was real.”
She started her masterpiece on Wednesday (3) evening and went live on Facebook as she was putting the finishing touches to her look.
Wedding entertainment business owner Tara said: “I was so nervous, but then in about half an hour I had 120 shares, and then when I checked again this morning it had 4,500 views!
“I think I went through about 60 brushes – I didn’t have time to wash them so I just put them aside!”
Tara had to wear a dressing gown underneath her bra as she painted over the top to get Captain Tom’s tie and shirt, as she was worried something could “pop out” on camera.
She covered her head in cling film and stuck on fake hair to create Captain Tom’s ‘do.
This is also not her first foray into face paint, and at Christmas time her Grinch make-up was so realistic that she was asked to do personalised messages for kids.
She said: “During the COVID my mental health’s not been that good, I’ve had my ups and downs, and doing makeup is like a drug to me – it’s the only thing that helps.
“A few years back I was also diagnosed with autism and makeup just allows me to zone out.”
Tara’s son Logan, eight, is a big inspiration to her and helps come up with ideas for her next look.
The mum-of-one said: “Logan’s got autism so has a lot of sensitivity issues, and with the lockdown it’s hit him hard because changing routine is really difficult for him, but he loves it!
“He came in and was like ‘who are you?’
“He has a great imagination, he’s really alternative and thinks out of the box.”
Tara is proud that she has honoured Captain Tom, but is also happy that she spread some joy at this difficult time.
She said: “Everyone’s been saying it’s not only commemorated him but when I go on live the kids love watching and laughing with me!
“It’s nice that I’ve touched so many during the COVID time.”
Tara posted the video on her Facebook page on February 3.
