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
“A tenner a slice"
Len was presented with two huge birthday cakes which he jokingly told crowds cost “a tenner a slice”.
Shiney Row choir
More singing took place in Herrington Park by Shiney Row Male Choir as part of the celebrations.
Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics pays tribute to Len
Via a video clip Dave Stewart said: “I just wanted to thank you so much for inspiring me when I was a young kid about the guitar.
“I was such an admirer of you and your family and it inspired me. It sort of helped me in the foundation of the fact I wanted to be a musician.
“Your life is so extraordinary and I wish I could be there today celebrating everything about you.”
Party coming to an end
The celebrations in honour of Len Gibson are wrapping up as people begin leaving Herrington Park.
Luckily the weather held up for the day of celebrations.