Family devastated they can’t be with Dunkirk veteran Victor on his 100th birthday
CENTENARIAN FEELS ‘BLESSED’ DESPITE MISSING OUT ON PARTY
A FAMILY are “devastated” at not being unable to celebrate their dad’s 100th birthday with him in person today.
Second World War veteran Victor Chanter lives at Larkhill Retirement Home, in Clifton.
He served in the Royal Navy as a visual communicator sending messages to warships and was at the evacuation of Dunkirk.
He was also an entertainer and once sang with Alfie Boe as well as featuring on Channel 4’s series Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds.
One of Mr Chanter’s four daughters, Susan Whittley, told the Post that the family had put together a video of them all wishing him a Happy Birthday since they can’t see him in person.
Susan, of Colwick, said she was quite emotional when she saw the video.
She said: “A hundred years is a fantastic achievement and huge milestone. Nobody can go and celebrate with him apart from my sister who is in his bubble.
“It’s really disappointing and upsetting, more than a hundred people would’ve gone to his party.
“We were going to have a big band and invite all the Larkhill residents. It’s a real shame. Everyone’s devastated that we can’t go and celebrate with him.
“He might be 100 but he can work Skype and Facetime and he is still very independent.”
Mr Chanter said: “I’ve had a great life, when I look back on it now I’ve had one of the best lives.
“It has been full of history. I’m very pleased to have done it all. I made some great friends in the war too. During adversity you find your friends.
“There are different emotions without being able to meet up or hug each other. But in this day and age, I’m very blessed with this birthday.”
Mr Chanter said he would spend today opening cards and presents which have “taken over the flat”.
He added: “Suddenly you’re 100 and you begin to realise there are people out there who remember you. I am getting cards from people I know from years ago.
“I don’t know how to thank people. We would’ve all got together with family, friends and people at the village but we aren’t allowed to.”
When asked about the lessons he has learnt, he said: “Everybody’s got friends they don’t even know about.”