A BRADFORD centenarian learned to walk again and surprised a hall filled with students who applauded his efforts.

James Armitage, 100, who lives at Wingfield Nursing Home in Bingley, has taken his first steps after not walking for two years due to ill health.

He’s been living at the nursing home since October 2022 and one day decided that he wanted to re-learn how to walk.

James said: “I can’t explain how I stopped walking, but now that I am walking again, I’m really enjoying it.”

In the back of his head, James can hear a voice, telling him to ‘keep going, keep going, you can do this’ and he did.

He learned to walk again with the help of Karen Richardson, Senior Carer at the home, and Sue Sroka, Activities Manager.

James said: “She’s really helped me walk again, she’s always supporting and pushing me to keep on going.

“I couldn’t have done it without her.

“Every time I get to a corner, I tell myself if I don’t turn this corner, I’ll never turn a corner again.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Plaque made for James by children at Beckfoot Priesthorpe Primary. Image: UGCPlaque made for James by children at Beckfoot Priesthorpe Primary. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

“I couldn’t be in a better place, with all these people around me who have helped me walk again.

“I was really lonely before this, and I’ve made as many friends as before.

Describing his first steps, James said he kept thinking ‘ am I going to fall, am I going to go down’.

The nursing home has a partnership with a local school, Beckfoot Priesthorpe Primary School, in Bingley, as part of an inter-generation programme and residents were invited to attend the end-of-term assembly, on Thursday, March 30.

James walked into the assembly, supported by his Zimmer Frame and his friend Irena as children applauded his efforts.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: James Armitage walks into assembly. Image:UGCJames Armitage walks into assembly. Image:UGC (Image: UGC)

A sign was made to celebrate the moment with students calling James their hero.

He said: “By gum, it was as if I had known them for years, it brought tears to my eyes.

“I felt on top of the world.

“Bless them all, their parents should be proud of them.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a hero for learning to walk again, considering I worked in the mines during the war, but it was nice.”

James is getting stronger and stronger and when the weather picks up he hopes to go for a walk in the park and enjoy a beer.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: James with children at Beckfoot Priesthorpe Primary School. Image: UGCJames with children at Beckfoot Priesthorpe Primary School. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

Sue said: “We are all so proud of James. Everybody here loves him to bits and we’ll get him a pint of beer in Myrtle Park.

Children from Beckfoot Preisthorpe Primary have been invited to celebrate, James’ 101st birthday with hi on June.

He said: “I’m getting on a bit now, 100 and in three months I’ll be 101- those three months make a lot of difference.”