War veteran marks 100th birthday by fundraising for children in Gaza

A Second World War veteran who turns 100 on Christmas Eve is celebrating the milestone by raising money for children affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Terry Holt, from Stockport in Greater Manchester, witnessed first-hand the fate of children living through war when she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, during the Second World War.

She was based in the Middle East between 1941 and 1948, working in Cairo, Egypt and the Suez Canal.

The impact of the recent Israel-Hamas war has motivated her to raise money for Save the Children’s Gaza Emergency Appeal, and she is asking for donations for her centenary instead of presents.

Terry has been a Save the Children volunteer for 73 years (Terry Holt/PA)

She will host a mulled wine and mince pie coffee morning at her home on Friday in the hope of reaching her fundraising target of £1,500.

Mrs Holt said: “As I celebrate my 100th birthday, I feel so grateful for the life I have had, and I wanted to do something to raise much-needed funds to help children who so urgently need support.

“When I was stationed in the Middle East in the 1940s, I saw first-hand the fate of children growing up in conflict zones.

“Seventy years later as I watch the news and see schools, hospitals and mosques being destroyed it fills me with sadness.

“It is easy to feel helpless in the face of such suffering, but we need to try to remain hopeful and do our bit.

“I have supported Save the Children for as long as I can remember, and as a mother and grandmother myself I feel it is my duty to fight for the rights of children and do what I can to try and help them grow up with a brighter future.”

I feel so grateful for the life I have had, and I wanted to do something to raise much-needed funds to help children who so urgently need support

Terry Holt

Mrs Holt has been volunteering with Save the Children for 73 years, making her the charity’s oldest known living supporter.

Over the years, her projects have raised thousands of pounds. During Covid, she raised more than £2,000 by walking half a mile a day, despite relying on a walking frame.

She is also the founder of the charity’s Cheadle and Gatley branch, which was set up in 1959 and has raised more than £132,000 since records began in 1986.

Gwen Hines, chief executive of Save the Children UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Terry for her kindness in choosing to spend her 100th birthday fundraising for Save the Children’s Gaza Emergency Appeal.”