A RESIDENT at a Studley care home was surprised by more than 100 bikers from the community for his 91st birthday.
Studley Rose, a residential care home on Pool Road, put out an appeal on Facebook asking if any bikers could stop by the home for resident John Fletcher's special occasion.
John owned several bikes throughout his life, including a Royal Enfield, Triumph and BSA.
He was overwhelmed when more than a hundred riders, including Redditch Charity Bikers, turned up to help to make his birthday a day to remember.
In his younger years, John rode in the Isle of Man GP on three different occasions. Whilst racing in the late 50s, John famously crashed through a hotel window at Creg-Ny-Baa – luckily, he only came away with minor injuries, but the window came off second best.
At 22 years old, John joined the Royal Enfield Competition Department and competed across the UK.
Sallie Barnett, John’s daughter, said: “Thank you to everyone for taking the time to visit my Dad.
“He absolutely loved seeing all the different bikes and meeting new people.
“Dad rode all his life, both for pleasure and competitively, and even at 91 he’d still happily get on a bike if his body would allow it.
“You’ll never know how much the day meant to him and to my sister and I.”
Maria Willis, registered manager at Studley Rose, said: “The turnout was truly amazing, and made me so proud to be a part of the home and the local community we have.
“The birthday boy was delighted but it turned out to be an amazing day for all of our residents and staff.
"It’s the unplanned days and events that sometimes provide the best memories.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here