Bolton man receives surprise hoard of cards for 100th birthday

Malcolm Orr, from Bolton, celebrated his landmark age on Sunday and was greeted with a flood of cards following an appeal on Facebook asking people to send him their well wishes.

And kind-hearted residents did not disappoint, as hoards of cards arrived – around 150 so far, including one from Ireland.

Cards from schoolchildren were also included in the post.

The delivery was a complete surprise for Mr Orr, who has the cards proudly on display at his home in Halliwell.

Cards hanging up in Malcolm's home

A card also arrived from the Queen and he was treated to a special birthday cake, along with a complimentary fish, chips and peas meal from The Crown and Thistle pub in Darwen.

Malcolm with long-term family friend Sue Partington

Malcolm's birthday cake

Malcolm, who grew up in Deane and served in the Second World War and Korean War, said: "It has been beautiful. I am still getting presents and cards sent to me.

"The cards are hanging wall to wall up to the ceiling.

"I am completely overwhelmed, I never expected this.

"I got a card from the Queen, which is nice to get that recognition."

As well as serving his country in both wars, Malcolm working in the cotton trade, where he forged a successful career.

He was married to his wife Ethel for 24 years before she died in 1994.

Malcolm with his late wife Ethel

Malcolm in his younger years

Sue Partington, who organised the appeal for people to send cards to the birthday boy, knows him as "uncle Malcolm" after meeting him through her ex-husband in 1988.

Following Sue's divorce, she kept in touch with him and still visits him regularly, getting to know her children and grandchildren.

Malcolm and Sue's daughter Ashley

Sue, 55 said: "We all know him as uncle Malcolm and he calls me his niece.

"He’s a truly remarkable, independent, kind, caring and generous man.

"We have always kept in touch and he always remembers my daughters' birthdays and we have grown closer over the years.

"As we were unable to take him out and celebrate his 100th birthday, I decided to post an article on a local Facebook page asking if anyone would like to send him a birthday wish.

"We were delighted with the response and uncle Malcolm had a fabulous 100th birthday.

"The amount of cards and messages for him has been absolutely amazing.

"It is a remarkable achievement to get to 100."