VE Day singalong surprise planned for self-isolating Sheffield pensioner

On Friday Britain will celebrate VE Day as the country marks 75 years since the end of war in Europe.
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And residents in one Sheffield neighbourhood are planning a birthday surprise for one man who still remembers the original celebrations in 1945.

Alan Ambler, or Uncle Al as he is affectionately known to family and friends, turns 86 on May 8. He is currently shielding from coronavirus because of his COPD, a lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.

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On Friday afternoon, following the nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2 at 3pm, his neighbours plan to surprise him and raise his spirits with a socially distanced rendition of Happy Birthday at the bottom of Duncombe Street in Walkley – the street where he has lived his whole life.

Alan, who is affectionately known as Uncle Al to family and friends.Alan, who is affectionately known as Uncle Al to family and friends.
Alan, who is affectionately known as Uncle Al to family and friends.

Uncle Al’s neighbour Cody Pendlebury‎, who has organised the event, said: “He’s just the nicest person in the world.

“He was only 10 when VE was celebrated. He said he remembers putting bunting across the street but there wasn’t much of a celebration because there wasn't any money to spare.”

This time, however, neighbours have prepared a chocolate cake and some handmade Great Britain-themed bunting. Cody said the response to her request for people to sing Happy Birthday has been “overwhelming”.

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Uncle Al's family have lived on Duncombe Street for more than 100 years and his nephew, Eric, lives just two doors down from him. Eric added: “Al brought me up. We’re very close, like father and son. He looked after me my whole life, and my daughters – they call him granddad.

Uncle Al during his national service.Uncle Al during his national service.
Uncle Al during his national service.

“He’s just an incredible guy, you couldn’t wish to meet anyone nicer. He’s perfection to me. I’ve never known anyone have a bad word for him.”

Uncle Al went on to serve in the armed forces himself as part of his national service and was sent to Egypt aged 18.

Eric said: “It will make his day, that’s all we wanted to do.

“It’s just something nice at an awful time. It cheers people up.”

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