Bill turns 100 on 1st June, and like many other centenarians it seems inevitable that he will be celebrating this much anticipated milestone without his family and friends . 

Like most from the Greatest Generation, Bill would love nothing more than to while away the day (well, any day really) reminiscing over a nice beer. He's pictured sampling a refreshing beer from Westerham Brewery!

Which got us thinking... why not open up a virtual bar on Just Giving? Bill's Bar if you will... where we can all send him some good wishes and buy him a virtual beer (£3*) to celebrate. Given that he's a popular chap and has shared a few beers in his time, we just might be able to match each year of his life with a beer, and simultaneously raise some much needed cash for a great cause!

(*deemed average 'reasonable' price for a pint. We are aware that this is still considerably more expensive than Bill would ever approve of!)

The Cause

We would love to support so many amazing charities, and during his life Bill has supported the British Heart Foundation and the Royal British Legion. We are, unfortunately, only able to choose one charity for this page, but we hope you agree that the Carers Trust more than deserves the limelight. Not only is it super-relevant to Bill, but it also supports a ridiculously topical and under supported cause...through the Carers Emergency Fund it directly supports unpaid carers through small grants (up to £300) during this pandemic. This is real money going to real people and will make a real difference (fast!). 

Bill is lucky. He has an amazing daughter, Margaret, who he has lived with, and who has cared for him for the last 22 years! There are a whopping 7 MILLION unpaid carers in the UK and, like them, she has selflessly adapted her life and finances, at times making huge sacrifices, so that Bill can have the best quality life. Each situation is, of course, different and there are so many unpaid carers who, on top of their caring responsibilities, may have to work full time, find themselves in significant financial hardship and have to care for those who have far greater needs than Bill's. 

These unsung heroes support our society every day of every year and the burden they quietly bear is essential to us all.The current crisis just makes it even harder.

Bill's bio... 

Born in Durham in June 1920, the youngest of 6 siblings, he left school at just 15 and started mining at Easington Colliery before signing up to fight in WW2 when he was 19 years old.  

He went on to actively serve in the 4th Army and the 34th Ordinance Beach Detachment in Sicily, Italy and Palestine. Shortly after arriving back in England he met his beautiful Patricia when stationed at COD Chilwell, Nottinghamshire and she would go on to entice him to London where they would be married for 51 years before her passing. Bill went on to be an excellent carpenter, ultimately working for Costain for 34 years before retiring. 

During his long retirement Bill has been a fabulous and ever-present Granddad and Great Granddad. He has four Grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren, aged between 2 and 49!

Bill absolutely loves sport - particularly snooker and boxing, but his heart belongs to football and his Geordie roots tie him to his beloved Newcastle United. He is a healthy chap and despite a triple heart bypass in 1990, that was only meant to last for 10 years, he is still going strong 30 years later!!

He has a magnificent singing voice and he's always keen for a singsong - usually some Vera Lynn or Sinatra. His favourite song is 'Sin to Tell a Lie.'

He's got a razor sharp mind, still does a Crossword every day and has a wicked and rather cheeky sense of humour!

Bill is always happy to talk about his stories of the war and after a few drinks he'll inevitably crack out his war- taught Italian, Hebrew and Arabic... although its fair to say his memory of the phrasing has aged less well than he has...nonetheless its fascinating to understand what his communication essentials were as a young man!!  ;-)

He is a stickler for doing things properly ("if a jobs worth doing...") and is the King of DIY and gardening. His latest handy work, finished only last year, is a pavilion in his Granddaughter's garden! 

His dedication to playing the National Lottery is second to none- we're pretty sure he hasn't missed a draw... ever! However the most he has ever won is £250 - so its safe to say that he has been a net contributor!! 

His catchphrase: "Cor Blow!"

Thank you for Bill's Birthday wishes and for supporting the Carers Emergency Fund.