Charity match in memory of cancer victim
tle City Council. Bill then contacted Steve Lambert, a senior outreach worker, and told him of his previous disappointment and desire for a veterans’ badge.
Steve was happy to help and set about completing Bill’s application – but he also saw an opportunity for Bill to be more thoroughly recognised for his service, and contacted the Lord Mayor’s office to see whether a presentation could be arranged.
Councillor Hazel Stephenson, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, was thrilled to oblige and visited Bill’s home to meet him and his son, and formally present him with his badge.
Emotional Bill said: “I’m absolutely over the moon with all of this. It was nice to talk to Steve because I knew he was listening and taking me seriously – people can dismiss you when you say you’re over 90 but I’ve always been active and sometimes I forget my age and fall over because I’m still so energetic.
“Being presented with the veterans’ badge has been marvellous, I can’t explain the feeling. It was fantastic to have the Lord Mayor here and it’s great to have my service recognised after the disappointing news about my WWII medals. I’m so pleased I spoke to Steve rather than applying directly – it would’ve just arrived through the post then and that would’ve been it, but now it’s a memory I’ll treasure.”
Bill has lived in his Walker home, which is managed by YHN, for more than 25 years after retiring from his job as a school caretaker.
His son Malcolm was also there for the presentation and they’re looking forward to adding the photos to Bill’s large collection of family portraits and regiment mementos.
Steve, who has worked for the Armed Forces Outreach Service since 2015, is a veteran himself, having served for several years overseas.
Both he and Patrick Tracey, Civic Officer, who accompanied Lord Mayor, were wearing their own veterans’ badges at the presentation.
Steve said: “I was delighted to recognise a fellow veteran and we all so appreciated the Lord Mayor taking time out of her busy schedule to honour Bill in a way he very much deserves. There’s such fantastic camaraderie amongst former servicemen and women and I hope many more people will stop to talk to Bill about his service now he has his veterans’ badge.
“I’m privileged to meet many veterans of all ages in my job and I’m proud to support Newcastle’s commitment to the armed forces covenant.
“The outreach service has helped many deserving people since it was created in 2013, providing advice around housing options, financial issues, employment and training.” Bill in the Worcester Regiment FAMILY and friends of a dad-of-four who died shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumour will hold a charity football match at the Stadium of Light in his honour.
Paul Warris, of Columbia, Washington, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2016.
Despite being a fit and healthy 52-year-old, what followed was a devastatingly rapid decline and he tragically died within six months. In an effort to raise funds for a brain tumour charity and St. Benedict’s Hospice, where Paul spent his final days, his childhood friend has organised a special Black Cats v Magpies match.
There will be a couple of special guests, with the Sunderland side managed by ex-Sunderland players John Cornforth and Julio Arca, and the Newcastle side by ex-Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade and ex-Toon star Olivier Bernard.
Paul’s wife, Alison, 49, said: “He just loved life, he had a huge personality. He loved being outdoors in the sunshine and practically lived in shorts.” He died in March, leaving children, Philip, 31, Michael, 24, Daniel 22 and Aimee 14.
Kick-off is at 12.30pm at June 3 you can contact nevharris64@ googlemail.com to purchase a wristband to gain entry.