Virus can’t stop Alan from celebrating turning 100

Lockdown thwarts family celebrations but neighbours rally round

The celebration for his 100th birthday should have seen Alan Woods and his wife Frankie enjoying a meal out with his family.

However due to the Coronavirus his family were sadly unable to share the special day with the Oaktree Court resident.

Thankfully, his Yaxley neighbour Polly Watson stepped into save the day.

Alan’s daughter, Sandra, had told Polly that the family wouldn’t be able to spend time with him on this special occasion.

Polly knew she wanted to help make Alan’s day as special as it could without his family there.

She said: “We arranged a time for us all to come and sing to him from behind his front garden wall, we didn’t want to interrupt his nap! 1:45pm was agreed and off we went! We all had tears in our eyes as we left. If nothing else Covid19 has pulled us all together as a community and singing

Happy Birthday to Alan costs nothing but helps him and his family get through these unfortunate times. ”

Alan’s grandaughter Tamzyn was amazed at the neighbour’s kindness.

She said: “It was so heartwarming to know all of his neighbours came out. After lockdown we plan for the whole family to celebrate his birthday – he has two daughters, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. My nana also turns 97 in June and their 75th wedding anniversary in July.”

Though Alan didn’t get quite the day his family imagined, he was still able to spend it with his loving wife Frankie. He was able to video call with his family and received presents and a card from the Queen!

The family hope to be able to celebrate the couple’s 75th wedding anniversary but if not they hope the neighbours will rally round once more.

Alan on his 100th birthday and with wife Frankie in their younger days