One of Britain's oldest men is set to celebrate his 109th birthday in Cramlington.
Former firefighter Joe Dixon will mark his milestone birthday on Saturday, October 1, surrounded by serving firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service when they visit him at Scarborough Court care home. In the run-up to his party, care home staff have issued a touching appeal for people to send Joe a birthday card in the hope of presenting him with 109 cards on the day.
Joe was born in Walker in 1913 and went on to become a firefighter, serving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for 50 years. After joining the service in 1937, Joe worked at the Pilgrim Street fire station in Newcastle where he lived in the married quarters with his wife Lydia.
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During the Second World War, Joe served in RAF Bomber Command and returned to work as a firefighter when it ended. He worked his way up to becoming chief fire officer before retiring in 1964.
Joe, who is now a great-granddad, said: “I have always felt very important in my job. The fire and rescue service has always made me feel very important to them.
"One fond memory I have is on my 100th birthday, I had a visit from the chief fire officer and his crew to mark the celebration and they have visited me wherever I have lived on every birthday since."
Scarborough Court care home hopes Joe will receive 109 cards to mark the occasion but said that Joe would be delighted to know that people are thinking of him, regardless of the number.
Scarborough Court activity co-ordinator, Stacey Hunter, said: "Joe is such a humble, kind-hearted man. It is such a pleasure to have him living at Scarbrough Court as he is always entertaining everyone with his inspirational stories.”
To send a card to Joe Dixon, please post them to Scarborough Court, Alexandra Way, Cramlington NE23 6ED.
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