Veteran presented with war medal on 100th birthday

After an appeal for birthday cards for Irene, the care home said it had already received 105.

Irene’s grandson’s wife Melissa Walmsley, who also works at the care home, described Irene as “an amazing woman”.

“The only thing she wanted on her birthday was her medal and thankfully we have achieved it, which is remarkable,” she said.

“She’s always talking about her time in the war and what she did and who she served with,” she said, adding: “She’s so very proud of everything that she’s achieved and accomplished”.

Irene’s niece, Anne Moore, flew over from Ontario, Canada for the occasion, saying it was “wonderful to reach this milestone and to celebrate it with her”.

She said seeing her aunt being presented with the medal was “an emotional rollercoaster”.

Of turning 100, Irene said she did not feel any different, but said while she used to like saying she was 99, she was not so keen on saying she is 100.

She said she would wear her war medal, adding: “It’s very nice to be appreciated”.