WW2 Veteran Reunited With Daughter After Nearly A Year Apart

A Second World War veteran has been reunited with his daughter for the first time in almost a year after visiting restrictions were eased at his care home. 

Eric Bradshaw, 95, said he "could not put into words" how it felt to be close to his daughter Ruth again when they were able to meet at Millfield care home in Oldham on Wednesday.

He said: "It's just lovely to hold Ruth's hand again and it's great to see her after all that has happened.

"The team at Millfield have been amazing looking after all of us here but I can't put into words what it means to see my family again and see everyone safe and sound."

Mr Bradshaw, a signalman during the war, was photographed waving to his family from the care home's window on VE Day last year.

He has received both of his COVID-19 vaccinations and Ruth provided a negative lateral flow test before their meeting.

She visited as part of a "pod" set up with Oldham Council that allows residents to have one close-contact visitor a day, in addition to their named visitor, providing both parties have either been vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19.

Lisa Owens, manager of the Millfield home, said: "It's so wonderful to see Ruth and Eric reunited like this.

"It was a real privilege to see how many people wanted to salute Eric last year but seeing them reunited like this is really special.

"Everyone has gone through a tough year, but Eric has always shown us that we don't have to give up hope."

Cover image: PA.