Fundraising appeal launched to help war veteran celebrate 100th birthday

A fundraising page has been set up to help a Salford-born World War 2 veteran celebrate his 100th birthday.

Wilfred Oldham, MBE is a veteran of Italy, France, Germany & Arnhem during operation Market Garden. He was one of 500 other veteran's who were able to get back over the River Rhine to safety.

For the past 30 years, Wilfred goes on an annual pilgrimage to Arnhem, where he has been staying with the same host family for about twenty years and talks about his experience during the war. He also visits schools across the UK in his hope of keeping history of the war alive from a first hand account experience.

Usually, the Bolton branch Parachute Regimental Association would hold fundraising events to organise funds to celebrate such momentous occasions, but because of the coronavirus pandemic this has not been possible.

By setting up a JustGiving page, the Bolton PRA are hoping to raise enough funds to give Wilred a special birthday next month, when he turns 100 on August 28.

More information on the PRA fundraising campaign for Wilf's 100th birthday can be found here.