D-Day veteran supported by LionHeart celebrates 103rd birthday
A war veteran turned chartered surveyor, supported by LionHeart, has marked his 103rd birthday with a party near his home in Cyprus.
Harold Fenwick, who landed on the famous beaches of Normandy in 1944, remarkably still lives in his own home, now supported by a live-in carer.
Harold was one of the 60,000 British troops involved in the D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944, still the largest seaborne invasion in history. Then aged 21, as he and his comrades progressed through France, he was hit by a mortar shell and had to be evacuated home with serious injuries, ending his time on the front line.
Despite those injuries, Harold considered himself one of the lucky ones, having lost his younger brother who was in the RAF. He would later go on to marry and have three children, and a long, enjoyable career in surveying which would see him become a Fellow of RICS.
Harold and his wife later retired to Cyprus and in recent years, after he was widowed, has received support from LionHeart and the armed forces charity SSAFA.
Local SSAFA volunteer Russell Robinson, who helped organise Harold’s 103rd birthday party this week, said that despite becoming more frail in recent years, Harold is still able to use a mobility scooter to get around and enjoys lively conversations about politics and current affairs.
He added: “LionHeart’s assistance and financial support has helped Harold remain in his house with the support of a live in carer and he still wakes up every morning with the spirit he showed during the war.”
LionHeart was represented on the day by long-time supporter Chris Dryden, who also lives and works in Cyprus. He said: “It was a wonderful occasion. Harold was in great form and asked me to pass on his thanks to everyone at LionHeart.”
Paul Cunningham, the LionHeart support officer that has looked after Harold’s case, said: “We are delighted that Harold has celebrated his 103rd birthday in such style.
"He has a fascinating story and it has been LionHeart's privilege to support him, alongside our fellow charity SSAFA, in recent years."
Can you support LionHeart?
Throughout his long career, Harold donated to LionHeart with his RICS subs each year - never imagining he might one day need our help himself.
Your donations help us to support past and present chartered surveyors and their families, from small babies right through to retired members like Harold, who is the oldest person we support.
Please add your donation when you pay your subs if you can, or consider setting up a regular donation of just £2 a month, so that we can continue to support people like Harold when they need it. Thank you!
