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Heckmondwike: Huge response to 100th birthday plea for WWII veteran

Paul Halloran Paul Halloran giving Joe Weaver his cardsPaul Halloran
Joe Weaver was "deeply touched" by the response, Councillor Paul Halloran said

Hundreds of cards have been sent to a 100-year-old war veteran after an appeal was made to give him an "extra special" birthday.

Joe Weaver was left in tears when he received bags of cards, including many with messages from school children.

The Heckmondwike-born veteran received some 400 cards after a Facebook appeal by councillor Paul Halloran.

Mr Halloran said: "He was deeply touched. He kept saying to me, 'I don't deserve this.'"

Paul Halloran One of the cards sent to Joe WeaverPaul Halloran
School children were among the hundreds of people to send in birthday greetings

The Batley and Spen councillor, who delivered the cards to the World War Two veteran on Sunday, said: "I told him he deserved everything and more.

"Joe's gone through, and seen, things many of us can't even comprehend.

"I salute him and am genuinely in awe of his indomitable spirit."

Mr Halloran said after speaking to Mr Weaver's family, he had decided he wanted to set up an appeal to make the veteran feel extra special and thank him for his years of service.

Paul Halloran Paul Halloran giving Joe Weaver his cardsPaul Halloran
A plea was made to send Mr Weaver 100th birthday cards as thanks for his service to his country

He said the response from the local community had been "incredible" and it was a humbling experience to pass on all the good wishes.

In response, Mr Weaver thanked everyone for the cards and joked: "I've really enjoyed the short life I've had."

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