Pete Egerton

Noon - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Whitney Houston

One Moment in Time

Listen Live

Harrogate RAF veteran receives 850 cards for 100th birthday

Friday, 19 April 2024 11:51

Stanley Clarke at Harrogate's Harcourt Gardens care home.

Former Harrogate RAF Captain Stanley Clarke has received more than 850 cards for his 100th birthday.

A social media message posted by the RAFSC & TSW (Royal Air Force Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association) went viral, resulting in hundreds of cards sent to mark from around the world.

The message, which was posted on Facebook, asked supporters to send Stanley a 100th birthday card with the message "let's fill up his care home with cards".

A fabulous response meant that Stanley, a former Servicing Commando, RAF Pilot and Station Commander of Swanton Morley, awoke on his 100th birthday to over 850 cards sent from former service men and women, supporters and well-wishers from as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia.

Stanley is a resident at Harcourt Gardens in Harrogate.

Reflecting on the response to his birthday, Stanley said:

"I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who sent me these wonderful cards and gifts, this was totally unexpected and overwhelming but very much appreciated."

Stanley joined the Royal Air Force as an electrical fitter apprentice at 16 in 1940.

He volunteered for Commando training in 1942 and then spent the war in North Africa and Europe.

Stanley retired from the Royal Air Force in 1979 and now lives at Harcourt Gardens care home in Harrogate.

Alongside the unprecedented number of cards received from people nationwide, Stanley also opened his card from King Charles III on his birthday.

Stanley celebrated his big day with a party with friends and family who travelled from Australia and Canada and an afternoon tea was arranged by staff at Harcourt Gardens.

Adelina Pangilinan, home manager at Harcourt Gardens said:

"The cards just kept on coming, it was quite amazing.

"Nobody knew just how well the request would be received and it was absolutely wonderful to see the look on Stanley's face when we delivered him the cards.

"It's clear to see that Stanley, alongside all the other brave and admirable veterans are part of a very tight knit community and it's wonderful see the support and admiration for him."

More from Local News

Harrogate friends to cycle 470 miles for brain tumour charity

A group of six friends from the Harrogate area are preparing to cycle 470 miles in six days to raise £20,000 for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.
Countdown legend brings 'Word Perfect' tour to Harrogate Theatre

Fans of words, language and Countdown are in for a treat next month as Susie Dent brings her latest live tour to Harrogate Theatre.
Harrogate Town set for Boxing Day derby as fixtures revealed

Harrogate Town supporters can start planning for the new National League season - with a Boxing Day derby against FC Halifax Town among the standout dates.
Free Fuel Friday: Bilton woman is twelfth winner to claim full tank

A Bilton woman has become the twelfth person to claim a full tank of free fuel.
New postcard celebrates Harrogate's bid to become UK's Town of Culture

A new postcard celebrating Harrogate has been launched as part of the town's bid to become the UK's Town of Culture 2028.
Thieves attempt to break into garage at Harrogate home

Police are appealing for information after an attempted burglary in Harrogate.
Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave

Yorkshire Water has urged customers to use water wisely after demand soared by around 150 million litres in a single day.
North Yorkshire ranks fifth highest in region for garden waste charges

North Yorkshire has been ranked among the most expensive councils in Yorkshire for garden waste collections, according to new research.
Harrogate Rugby Club gears up for Beer Festival and Family Fun Day this Saturday

Harrogate Rugby Club is inviting families, rugby fans and beer lovers to its annual Beer Festival and Family Fun Day this Saturday, 11th July.
Harewood secures major National Lottery grant for landmark project

Harewood House Trust has secured a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help deliver the first stage of an ambitious project to transform the historic estate.
Harrogate's Duchy College recognised at Independent Schools of the Year Awards

Duchy College in Harrogate (formerly Harrogate Ladies’ College) is celebrating multiple commendations in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.
Harrogate brewery's beer recognised among best in country

Harrogate Brewing Co is celebrating after one of its beers was recognised among the best in the country.
Rare chance for dogs to visit RHS Harlow Carr

Dog owners will have a rare opportunity to explore Harrogate's RHS Harlow Carr with their four-legged friends next week.
Jespers of Harrogate to celebrate 125th anniversary

One of Harrogate's longest-standing independent retailers is preparing to celebrate a major milestone.
Harrogate Grammar praised in latest Ofsted inspection

Harrogate Grammar School is celebrating after Ofsted praised its academic achievement, sixth form and high-quality education.
Boroughbridge mum completes 100km challenge after daughter's life-saving heart surgery

A Boroughbridge mum has completed a gruelling 100km challenge after her daughter underwent life-saving heart surgery as a newborn.
Great Yorkshire Show almost sold out with two days at full capacity

Visitors are being urged to book now if they want to attend this year's Great Yorkshire Show, with the event already close to selling out.
Harrogate pupils' harvest helps feed homeless people

Locally grown onions, potatoes and broad beans are providing meals for the homeless thanks to pupils at Harrogate High School.
Spot the Board: Eagle-eyed residents scoop England shirts

Three eagle-eyed Harrogate residents have won new England shirts thanks to Your Harrogate and Verity Frearson Estate Agents.
Fleetwood Mac and Queen tributes to headline Harrogate Food & Drink Festival

Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the complete live music and entertainment programme for their seventh annual celebration beside the historic grounds of Ripley Castle.