RECAP: Spitfire flyover as Sunderland war veteran Len Gibson celebrates life at party in Herrington Country Park
and live on Freeview channel 276
A party for Len Gibson, a Second World War veteran who spent four years at a Japanese prisoner of war camp was held today, Wednesday, May 19 in Herrington Country Park to honour his life and celebrate his 101st birthday.
The celebrations included a Spitfire flypast, the Red Devils dropping in, and performances from violinist Bradley Creswick, a Scottish piper, a male voice choir and 120 pupils of Hastings Hill Academy, where Len was Deputy Head for 17 years.
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Hide AdFormer Lance Bombardier Len survived the horrors of the Burma Death Railway to become a musician who inspired Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics.
Len signed up for volunteer work to help cancer charity Daft as a Brush, which provides free transport to and from hospitals, roll out across the UK.
A new Daft as a Brush ambulance will be named 'Len Guitar Gibson and there will be messages of support from Dave Stewart, Kate Adie CBE, and Australian footballer Keith Adams, among many.
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War veteran Len Gibson Herrington Park live updates
Key Events
- A party to honour Len Gibson, the Japanese POW veteran is being held at Herrington Country Park
- Celebrations will include a Spitfire flypast and the Red Devils dropping in
- Len has taken on a new challenge at the age of 101 to volunteer for cancer charity Daft as a Brush
Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear
Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Mrs Susan Winfield, OBE was spotted with Len Gibson on a day full of celebrations.
A day of celebrations
Pupils from Hasting Hill Academy sang for Len Gibson as part of a party in Herrington Park to honour his life.
Live spitfire flyover for 101-year-old war veteran Len Gibson
Our reporter Ryan Smith took this video of the Spitfire flyover in Herrington Park.
Red Devils ‘drop in’
The red devils ‘dropped in’ to Herrington Park in Sunderland with Len’s new book.
Daft as a Brush
Len signed up for volunteer work to help cancer charity Daft as a Brush, which provides free transport to and from hospitals, roll out across the UK.
The great-grandfather is appealing for volunteers and copies of his book, A Wearside Lad, will be sold to raise funds for the cause.
