Inspirational visit from 102 year old fundraiser Kath Thomas

A 102 year old fundraiser, who was a volunteer nurse in the Second World War visited Bickerstaffe CE School this week.

Organised by the school’s vicar Reverend Andrew Housley, the pupils at Bickerstaffe were in awe during a visit from Kathleen Thomas.

Kath, who lives in Aughton and is a parishioner of St Michael’s, mesmerised the children by talking about her experiences during the First and Second World War.

She had the children hooked from the moment she spoke and brought many photographs and certificates to show the children.

Kath became a volunteer nurse during the Second World War and was on duty at her job in the Liverpool Co-Operative Drug Department during the May Blitz.

After 1945, the War organisation of the British Red Cross Society and order of St John’s of Jerusalem, presented Kathleen with a certificate: “In recognition of devoted service to the Cause of Humanity during the Second World War 1931-1945”

102 year old Kath knits ‘Cross in my pocket’ to raise funds charity in Jerusalem. She has raised £9,000 so far 🙂 pic.twitter.com/AFQph3nMK0

— Bickerstaffe School (@BickerstaffeCE) November 9, 2017

Kath continues to be an inspiration and actively embroiders ‘The cross in my pocket’ to raise funds for charities. So far, she has raised an incredible £9,000!

Headteacher Maggie Teachen says: “Kath led an assembly for the children to share her wartime experiences with them. She had them hooked from the start!

“The children were amazed by her and loved her so much that they have adopted her as ‘Aunty Kath’! We have made plans for Kath to attend our nativity and bring some of her buddies with her. We are hoping that she will come back into school and show us how to embroider and also paint as she is a keen artist.”

Wow… We are in the presence of a magical person. Parishioner Cath Thomas, who is an amazing 102 years old 🙂 pic.twitter.com/3IcsRcdqKT

— Bickerstaffe School (@BickerstaffeCE) November 9, 2017