Chelsea Pensioner joins morning service in Ballymena

Friday July 3rd 2009

Chelsea Pensioner Staff Sergeant William 'Paddy' Fox is pictured talking to two young parishioners from Saint Patrick's parish after morning service on Sunday June 28. A Chelsea Pensioner was a special guest at the morning service in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena, on Sunday June 28.

Staff Sergeant William 'Paddy' Fox, BEM, has lived for the past eight years at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Prior to that he spent most of his 38 years army service in the North Irish Horse.

Paddy, who is originally from Cahir in County Tipperary, was the guest of the Royal British Legion and during his stay in Ballymena he visited Carniny Primary School and the Ballymena Academy talking to pupils.

On Friday night, June 26, Paddy took part in a parade at the Town Hall where a concert was organised for Armed Forces Day and on the following day he was guest of honour along with other Comrades at a social evening in the Services Club.

Brought up in the Church of Ireland it was Paddy’s wish that he attend morning service in St Patrick's. At Sunday Services in the Hospital Paddy carries the Crown in the procession in front of the Padre and is Tour Guide at the Hospital during the week.