THE GRANDFATHER of a Solihull community fundraiser at the Royal Star and Garter Homes has been remembered in a social media campaign to mark the centenary of Armistice Day.
Kevin Rudge is seen with a picture of his grandfather, who faught in the Battle of the Somme and Arras during the First World War, along with his medals including the Military Medal awarded for bravery.
Mr Rudge alongside other staff, volunteers and residents from The Royal Star and Garter Homes across the country are remembering their family members who served their country.
The black and white images, and accompanying videos, acts as a reminder of the sacrifices made by loved ones and the close link people still have with it despite it ending 100 years ago.
It is being supported with the hashtag #RSGHremembers
Mr Rudge got involved with the charity, which cares for military veterans living with disability and dementia, when his father moved into the Monkspath Hall Road Home in 2012.
His is father-in-law as also cared for by the home before he died.
Mr Rudge’s mother-in-law is a current resident at the home, and his mother attends the Star and Garter Club – a day care service.
Mr Rudge said: “From my point of view I am so proud of what my grandfather did in the First World War and this campaign gave me a chance to share his story.
“He was alive when I was young, but he didn’t really talk about what happened.
“We have since found a picture of him in the trenches and you can see a ladder which goes over the top.
“This campaign gave me the chance to show his story is not forgotten and it was lovely to have the opportunity to remember him in this way.”
The Royal Star and Garter Homes was founded in 1916 to care for the severely injured young men returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War.
