Redwalls Nursing Home resident’s birthday surprise on Armed Forces Day
Staff at Redwalls Nursing Home made sure Armed Forces Day was an extra special occasion for Burma veteran Jim Costigan.
The day coincided with Mr Costigan’s 96th birthday and he received a lovely surprise when fellow members of the Burma Star Association arrived at the home in Sandiway, near Northwich, to meet him for a celebration in the garden.
Activities coordinator Jodie Solaiman, who arranged the party on Saturday, said: “All the men were proudly wearing their medals.
“One of them told me, ‘we’re not soldiers, we’re brothers until the end’. It was lovely to see them all come together to support Jim on his special day.”
She said he was also delighted to have received a lovely birthday painting of a plane from the home’s friends at nearby Smallworld Pre School.
“Jim has become very fond of the children and is looking forward to being able to meet them in person now the lockdown is easing,” she said.
“Jim is a bit of an internet sensation on TikTok. A video we made of him with our visiting dog, Charlie, has had 43,000 views and 5,000 likes. I’ve spent time reading the comments people have posted for him and he said it’s amazing to know how many people care.
“For his birthday he even received cards from people he’s never met before!”
Mr Costigan, who served in the RAF in Burma, was welcomed as a guest of honour at the Remembrance Day Service in Sandiway last November.
Author: Stephen Pullinger
