PRIME Minister David Cameron and Manchester United Football Club have rallied round to support a Keighley army veteran who lost his military medals after being attacked in Lund Park.
As reported in the Keighley News, George Gill, 69, was ambushed by a gang of thugs last month as he made his way to a Remembrance Sunday service.
He lost his beret and cap badge, as well as two medals he had been awarded for serving in Northern Ireland and Cyprus. The sentimental items are all still missing.
Mr Gill, who was an infantryman with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment for 18 years, said he was overwhelmed by the public response he has received since the attack.
He said the highlight had included letters of support from the Prime Minister and footballing legend Ryan Giggs, who is now assistant manager at Manchester United, the team Mr Gill supports.
“I was quite chuffed about the Prime Minister and Ryan Giggs taking the time to send me a letter,” he said.
“I also got a letter from Keighley MP Kris Hopkins, which was very nice.
“So many people have stopped me in the street asking if I’m alright. I want to thank everyone who has got in touch with me for their warmth and kind words.”
He said his nephew is currently working on acquiring new versions of the medals he lost during the attack.
Someone living in Devon, who wished to remain anonymous, has supplied him with a new version of his regimental cap badge.
Mr Gill is “disappointed” his original medals are yet to be recovered, but still hopes to get them back.
Recalling his service, he said: “I lost comrades in Northern Ireland and I still remember the faces of the lads we lost.
“Those medals mean a lot to me.
“I’m not looking for revenge or for someone to be locked up, but I do want my medals back.
“If anyone can tell me where they are I’d be over the moon.”
Mr Gill said he understood police are not taking any further action against two teenagers arrested in connection with the attack.
Following the assault, West Yorkshire Police put out an appeal for information from anyone who saw a group of Asian youths acting suspiciously in the park at about the time of the incident, or anyone who may have seen them leaving the park afterwards.
Anyone with information can contact Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
