Willie is inundated with cards after birthday appeal
A Campbeltown man who celebrated his 86th birthday last week was overwhelmed by the kindness of dozens of people – some from as far afield as the USA – who sent him birthday cards and gifts after an appeal by his grandson.
Willie McMillan celebrated his special day on July 4 but as a widower whose two children and two grandchildren live away from Campbeltown, he was forced to spend it without them due to lockdown restrictions.
Determined not to let the day pass unmarked, Willie’s grandson Fraser McMillan hatched a plan involving the well-known octogenarian’s family and friends, asking as many as possible to sent him birthday wishes.
Fraser roped in Willie’s niece Vicky Middleton, who has been looking out for him during lockdown. The pair put an appeal on Facebook, asking as many people as possible to send birthday cards and gifts to Willie, who has been isolating since lockdown began, to help brighten his day.
Vicky said: ‘He’s a very sociable person and a bit of a character, so he was really missing getting out and about and chatting to friends.’
Willie received gifts and more than two dozen cards from people all over the world, with one even coming from Philadelphia.
‘He had a great day with lots of goodies from family and friends, as well as some socially distanced visits from a few pals too,’ Vicky said. ‘He also received a lovely gift pack from the Co-op with a card saying they are missing seeing him. It’s another example of
Campbeltonian generosity.’ Vicky added that Willie, who quips that he is ‘really popular’ as the whole of America celebrates his July 4 birthday, is ‘quite overwhelmed’ by the amount of people who took the time to send cards and good wishes his way.
She said: ‘Willie would like to say a big thank you to everyone who visited and sent cards and gifts. He is amazed by the power of Facebook as he has had well wishes from all over the world. It’s great when it’s used for positive purposes and, of course, this is Campbeltown at its best, including the ‘toon’ folk further afield.’
Campbeltown Courier staff are also missing Willie’s visits to the office and are glad he enjoyed his birthday.