By Isle of Wight Observer
WWII veteran Alec Penstone will celebrate his 101st birthday this Thursday, April 23 – a milestone that falls, fittingly, on St George’s Day. The photograph above shows Alec on his birthday last year, proudly holding his card from the King.
This year has taken a different turn. A birthday party had been arranged earlier this month, but it had to be cancelled when Alec was unexpectedly admitted to hospital. Although he has now been discharged, the celebration he so deserves never happened.
The IW Observer would like to make sure Alec knows that the Island is thinking of him – not just for his birthday, but for the courage, sacrifice and quiet strength he showed in service to his country.
Click HERE to send him a message, send an email to newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or you can drop in a hand-written note or card to our office at 104 St James’ Square, Newport, PO30 1UR.
Every message will be delivered to Alec on his special day.
Let’s show him that the Island has not forgotten the debt we owe him.
Isle of Wight Observer 
Mal Butler