This is the heartwarming moment a World War Two veteran held hands with his daughter for the first time in almost a year.
The easing of coronavirus restrictions at Millfield Care Home in Oldham meant that resident Eric Bradshaw, 95, was able to be reunited with his daughter Ruth.
Mr Bradshaw, a signalman during the war, said he ‘could not put into words’ how it felt to be close to her again, after the pandemic forced them apart for 11 months.
“It’s just lovely to hold Ruth’s hand again and it’s great to see her after all that’s happened,” he said.
“The team at Millfield have been amazing looking after all of us here but I can’t put into words what it means to see my family again and see everyone safe and sound.”
The veteran gained notoriety last year after being photographed waving to his family from the care home’s window on VE Day.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy at the age of 18 in 1943, and served in Norway, the Far East and across the globe in his role sending and receiving messages while his ship was at sea.
He is one of the thousands of care home residents who have, until now, been physically cut off from family and friends since March 2020.
Visitors were banned to keep residents safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Since then, falling infection rates and millions of vaccinations have meant that restrictions have been relaxed.
New government guidelines now allow residents in care homes to have one visitor.
Mr Bradshaw had received both of his vaccinations and Ruth provided a negative lateral flow test before their meeting.
His daughter visited as part of a ‘pod’ set up with Oldham Council that allows residents to have one close contact visitor a day, once both parties have either been vaccinated or have tested negative.
Lisa Owens, manager of the Millfield home, said: “It’s so wonderful to see Ruth and Eric reunited like this.
“It was a real privilege to see how many people wanted to salute Eric last year but seeing them reunited like this is really special.
“Everyone has gone through a tough year, but Eric’s always shown us that we don’t have to give up hope.”
Zahid Chauhan, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for health, added: “We appreciate that visiting is also of utmost importance to the families of those residents and here is a great example of their influence and determination in ensuring comfortable and meaningful visits can take place.”
