Fundraising WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

A Second World War veteran who has been raising thousands of pounds for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Marjorie Lamb raised the money by walking 100 laps of her garden in Waterfoot, near Glasgow, ahead of her landmark day.

She has raised more than £19,000 over the past six weeks - smashing her initial target of £1,000.

“There has to be money for every bit of help you give anybody, you need a bit of money and so, this seemed a good idea,” Ms Lamb told Forces News.

“I was in the Wrens during the war and if there’s one thing you have to do, it's help each other.”

Ms Lamb, who served as a Cipher Officer during World War Two, was inspired by fellow veteran, Captain Tom Moore, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS by also doing 100 laps of his garden ahead of his 100th birthday.

She said she "couldn't believe" how generous people have been when donating.

“I thought, 'but how could they? They don’t know who I am, they don’t know why I think like that'," she said.

"Then I began to question myself, and I thought, 'well, you give to people you haven’t the foggiest who they are, so it’s much the same!'”

As well as her message from Her Majesty The Queen, she received lots of gifts on her big day and said she feels “exactly the same” as she did when she was 99.

She was able to celebrate with a few friends and family, while observing social distancing. 

During lockdown, Ms Lamb has been living with her son and granddaughter who have supported her on her fundraising mission.

Her son, John Lamb, told Forces News: "Very proud. I think she has done exceptionally well, and obviously at her age it's great.

"It just shows the sort of spirit of keeping going and doing something.

"I know the neighbours are really proud of her as well for what she has achieved.”