War hero hits the headlines as he collects his medal 70 years after the end of the war

Coverage for Bield pays homage to courageous war veteran, with help of successful social care PR campaign

A WAR veteran was paid an exciting surprise visit in his care home – by one of Vladimir Putin’s top aides bearing a war medal and vodka.

Alex Ramsay, 88, served as part of the 1944 Arctic Convoy and played a key role in distributing vital supplies to the Soviet Union – and saw his role recognised more than 70 years later.

Our team of social care PR experts told the story of how modest Alex was presented with the Ushakov Medal and a bottle of traditional Russian vodka to celebrate the achievement – racking up a raft of media coverage which included:

• Coverage in some of the country’s moat read newspapers including The Herald and The Daily Record
• Notable appearances on the BBC and STV news
• Industry recognition in social care specialist and housing titles including, Scottish Housing News and Care Industry News
• Total reach of 4,875,902

Russia’s most senior diplomat in Scotland, Andrey Pritsepov, paid a visit to Bield’s Milton Court retirement housing development in Portobello, Edinburgh, where Alex lives as independently as possible.

Alex said: “I am thrilled to receive another medal for my involvement in the war effort – it gives me a reason to reflect on the time I spent in the Merchant Navy.”

Following the Russian Consul’s visit, staff at Milton Court threw a party to celebrate Alex’s significant war efforts. He was part of the 1944 Arctic Convoys which delivered the Soviet Union vital supplies. Alex and his crew-mates braved treacherous, freezing conditions as well as threats from Nazi subs and naval vessels.

Linda Mason, Retirement Manager at Milton Court said: “We are all so very proud of Alex’s achievements – he is an unassuming and modest man but his story is truly inspiring.”

By sharing stories like Alex’s Holyrood PR helps promote the people behind Bield Housing and Care – including the dedicated staff and those who use its housing and care services.

Check out our original media release about war hero Alex’s story, which created such a splash with the media

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