Facebook opens up a world of thanks for war veteran Ted, 96

Bar manager Ben Lopez posted about Ted Fullerton on his Facebook page after chatting to the former RAF serviceman at The Duke of Cumberland pub in the East Riding village of Cottingham.

Mr Lopez’s post has now been shared more than 100,000 times and attracted more than 200,000 likes.

He said: “This is Ted, he is a 96-year-old WW2 veteran. He came in to my pub today for his lunch. I couldn’t help but notice his medals.

“I just had to go and ask him about his life and say thank you for his service to our country.

“He became really overwhelmed and cried. He said ‘Thank you, young man, no-one cares about what I have to say anymore’.”

The post went on: “I told him that I am sure there is so many people that do.

“Can we all please like and share this post and show him just how many of do care about our veterans and prove to Ted he’s not forgotten.

“I will show him this post when he comes back for his dinner next week.”

Mr Lopez’s post has attracted huge numbers of comments from well-wishers and admirers.

One said: “We do care, please believe that. As my husband says, ‘We don’t make men like that anymore’. You and your generation went through things that no-one should ever have to. Because of you we don’t have to. Thanks for my family and for our lives.”

Another said: “Thank you, Ted, and all who serve/have served their country. None of them should ever feel like this.”

Mr Fullerton, who served as RAF ground crew in India during the war, said: “I am dumbfounded. I think I’m dreaming. Someone please pinch me.”

Former soldier Mr Lopez, 28, has urged everyone to stop and make time to listen to veterans’ stories.