102 year old Rochdale veteran's garden - mission accomplished!

A 102-year-old war veteran from Rochdale has had his garden made over by an army of local volunteers, allowing him to remain independent and hang his washing out!

Operation Re-Org had been approached by the Rochdale British Legion at the Armed Forces Breakfast Club, asking if several paving stones could be sourced for veteran Harold Burgess' garden.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that more than a few paving slabs would be needed, so Operation Re-Org turned to Facebook, asking for assistance across several veterans’ groups. Rochdale Council’s Armed Forces Officer, Caen Matthews then contacted Man of Rochdale Paul Ellison, and a volunteer appeal was made.

The selfless volunteers to respond to the appeal included Wayne Stott, Ian Marshall, Gaz Stevenson, Alex Sharifi, Tim Ormerod, Paul Ellison, Tosh Brogan, Aimi McConnell, Adam Nesbitt, Chris Baddeley, Jordan Simpson, Rick Solan - RS Landscapes, Christine Mchugh and Roy Down from Rochdale In Bloom, 11 year old Caitlin Watson and 8 year old Niamh McConnell.

Terry Morley, Operation Re-Org Manager from Groundwork GM, said: "I had the utmost pleasure to chat with Harold. He is one of the nicest, bravest and most humble men I have ever met and he asked me to thank everyone for their contributions, work completed and messages he received. 102 and still going strong; a true veteran and gentlemen we are all very proud of.

"The biggest thank you must go to Paul Ellison for projecting managing this. Without his knowledge, contacts and true community spirit, it would never have turned out so well, so quick and with very little disturbance to Harold."

Paul Ellison said: "It was fantastic to be part of this project, and to see the community come together for such a special gentleman. Well done to all the volunteers and supporters."

Donations were made by R & M Building supplies, Frank Keys tool hire, Gordon Riggs Garden Centre, Christine Campbell from Garden of Eden, John Alexander the singing jeweller, Steven Dougie from Jet Cleaning Services, Rebecca from the Norden Co-op and David Wilshaw from Norden Carpets and Flooring – who added a new hallway carpet to finish off the transformation.