An RAF veteran has celebrated his 100^th birthday with parties at a care home in High Wycombe.

Harry Hitch enjoyed a family gathering at Royal Star & Garter on Sunday 14 June, before having a party with fellow residents, arranged by staff at the Home, on his birthday the following day.

The great-grandfather, who lost his eyesight 12 years ago, has been at Royal Star & Garter since March 2025. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their families living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. It also has services reaching out into the community including Day Care, Lunch Club and a national Telephone Friendship Service.

Harry was born in Thornton Heath, London, on 15 June 1926. He joined the RAF for his National Service shortly after the end of WWII, serving from 1946-48 as an Engineer.

After demobbing he was a design engineer for the rest of his working life, primarily designing aircraft parts.

Harry and his wife Peggy had three children. After retiring he worked with his children in the family frozen food retail business, which had stores in Hazlemere and Princes Risborough.

Harry was diagnosed with glaucoma in his fifties, and while he was able to manage the condition with medication, his eyesight deteriorated in later life. Despite eventually losing all sight and the death of his wife, Harry was able to continue to live independently thanks to support from Blind Veterans UK, before eventually moving to Royal Star & Garter.

On his birthday, family were able to join Harry again at the Home. Staff arranged for live music with singer Nicky Fisher performing, and new High Wycombe Mayor Imran Hussain was also present to wish Harry a happy birthday.

Daughter Brenda, who was with her dad for both his parties, said: “Dad has had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday with his family and with his friends at Royal Star & Garter. I’d like to thank the staff who helped make it such a special and memorable day for him and for his family.”

‘In a Home where he’s loved and well-looked after’

Praising the Home, Brenda added: “It’s a beautiful building with wonderful amenities, but it’s the staff that make it an amazing Home. Everyone is so friendly, nothing is too much trouble and they keep you informed. I know Dad is in a Home where he’s loved and well-looked after.”

Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to www.starandgarter.org/hw