Peterborough residents ensure Alan has a special 100th birthday during lockdown

When resident Polly Watson bumped in to Alan’s daughter Sandra, she explained how it was his birthday and they wouldn’t be able to spend time together. Striking a chord with Polly, she knew she wanted to help make Alan’s day feel as special as it can without his family there.

She said: “We arranged a time for us all to come and sing to him from behind his front garden wall, we didn’t want to interrupt his nap! 1:45pm was agreed and off we went! We all had tears in our eyes as we left. If nothing else Covid19 has pulled us all together as a community and singing Happy Birthday to Alan costs nothing but helps him and his family get through these unfortunate times. ”

Alan’s grandaughter Tamzyn was amazed at the neighbour’s kindness. She said: “It was so heartwarming to know all of his neighbours came out. After lockdown we plan to all of us together, the whole family to celebrate his birthday; he has two daughters, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. My nana also turns 97 in June and their 75th wedding anniversary in July.”

Though Alan didn’t get quite the day his family imagined, he was still able to spend it with his loving wife Frankie. Despite the lockdown he still was able to video call with his family through the window, received some lovely presents and got his card from the Queen!

Looking ahead, the family hope to be able to celebrate Alan and Frankie’s 75th wedding anniversary in July, but if not they hope their neighbours will rally round once more.