Novel parade transport for veterans
TWO veterans made it to the service thanks to their care manager.
Birkdale Park Nursing
Home residents Reginald Hardman, 85, and Alan Atkins, 83, were taken through the streets of Southport on a rickshaw peddled by Care Manager Jonathan Cunningham MBE.
Jonathan, an Army veteran, took them in the former taxi cab rickshaw he has restored.
At the end of the service they even joined the main parade past the Town Hall steps for the loyal salute to the dignitaries on the dais.
Jonathan said: “We got so many cheers and applause as we cycled past the gathered crowds.”
The rickshaw had become a labour Reginald, ex Gurkha Brigade who fought in
Malaya, said: “It was a moving service.
“I was here to pay respect to Auther Owens, a young man with whom I worked with on the farm in Cheshire.
“He was only 22 and was terrified of going to war.
“He told me he probably wouldn’t come back.
“Sadly he didn’t and he died in 1944 on Arnhem Bridge.
“I can recall the look of fright in the young man’s eyes and that will never leave me. “He died for all of us.”
Alan Atkins, ex Royal Service Corps, said: “To be here today is a great honour.
“I’m thankful Jonathan has the energy in his legs to transport us here from Birkdale Park.”