A special message to Yorkshire Post readers from World War Two veteran Len Parry as newspaper's appeal raises over £22,000

World War Two veteran Len Parry has praised readers of The Yorkshire Post who have raised more than £22,000 after thieves broke into his home and stole his safe, containing nearly £4,000 money, while he was in hospital.
By Lucy Leeson
Published 25th Feb 2021, 16:45 BST
Updated 25th Feb 2021, 16:50 BST

The nation's most trusted newspaper set up the Just Giving Page on Tuesday to initially raise £4,000 to give back to the 100-year-old, but in just 48 hours, more than £22,000 has been raised with more than 1140 people donating to the appeal from all over the world, including America.

Mr Parry, who fled Japanese soldiers after being taken prisoner in Singapore during the Second World War, said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed and thank you to everybody for donating. Much obliged.

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"I'd like to thank The Yorkshire Post for the lovely attention that they've given to me and obviously all these donations coming in. It's very good of them and I appreciate it very much so.

Len Parry is smiling again thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire Post readers.Len Parry is smiling again thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire Post readers.
Len Parry is smiling again thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire Post readers.

"It brings out all the past, the wartime years and it's nice to see that people remember those times.

As well as the money, which Mr Parry was going to use to pay for a new roof at the home he has lived in for 50 years, the safe also contained his cheque book, driving licence and passport.

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Mr Parry's son-in-law Edward Boothman said his faith in humanity has now been restored.

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He said: "As a family we are overwhelmed. On behalf of all the family, I'd like to thank in particular The Yorkshire Post for the way you have dealt with everthing for him. You've been absolutely superb. We couldn't wish for anything better.

"We'd like to thank everybody that's donated, it is so marvellous."

Mr Parry's story has touched the heart of the nation and he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, where presenters Susanna Reid and Ben Shepard were blown away by his incredible history.

A woman called Angela, who lives in America, donated to the appeal and said: "Hello from America! There are many here that support the veterans that sacrificed for our freedoms. Wishing you a speedy recovery, comfortable retirement and a pint at the pub - opening soon I hear!"

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Another person added: "So sorry to hear of your troubles, Mr Parry, but glad to see that you have received the support you so rightly deserve. Thank you for your service. Your generation inspires us all."

Anyone wishing to donate to The Yorkshire Post appeal can do so by clicking here.