Tranmere Rovers first-team players Luke McGee, David Kamara and Coniah Boyce-Clarke paid a special visit to Second World War veteran Olwen this week, ahead of her 104th birthday and Saturday’s Remembrance fixture against Cheltenham Town.

The visit was arranged through Tranmere Rovers in the Community’s (TRIC) Hidden Voices programme, which supports female veterans, helping to reduce isolation, build friendships and ensure their stories are heard.

Through the programme, TRIC works closely with fellow local charity Sister Force, whose work helped introduce the Club to 103-year-old Olwen.

With Olwen set to celebrate her 104th birthday on Saturday, the three Rovers players spent time getting to know her, listening to her remarkable stories and learning more about her life and experiences.

To mark the occasion, the players presented Olwen with a personalised Tranmere Rovers shirt featuring ‘Olly 104’ on the back, before inviting her to be a special guest at Saturday’s Remembrance fixture at Prenton Park.

The visit gave the players an opportunity to hear first-hand from someone who lived through the Second World War, while also celebrating an incredible milestone in Olwen’s life.

Reflecting on the visit, goalkeeper Luke McGee spoke about the experience of meeting Olwen and the importance of taking the time to listen to her stories.

“If I picked out one story she told us, it would do her a disservice, but from everything she has told us, what a life she’s lived and continues to live.

“Footballers get put on a pedestal sometimes, but when you sit back and think about life and what it’s actually about, we are minimal compared to people like Olly and all the other vets that have done what they’ve done. 

“The fact that we could go and visit Olly and pay her a little bit of respect and give back a tiny per cent of what she’s gone and done for everyone else was really special.”

Olwen’s visit is a reminder of the importance of recognising the contributions of veterans within our community, particularly women whose experiences and stories have not always received the recognition they deserve.

Through TRIC’s Hidden Voices programme and Sister Force, we continue to provide opportunities for female veterans to connect with others, share their experiences and feel valued within their local community.

To make her milestone birthday even more special, a campaign is underway to collect 104 birthday cards for Olwen, one for every year of her life.

Supporters who would like to get involved are encouraged to write Olwen a birthday card and drop it off at the Club Store at Prenton Park.

Whether it’s a simple birthday wish or a heartfelt message, every card will help make Olwen’s 104th birthday one to remember.

Tranmere Rovers will welcome Cheltenham Town to Prenton Park on Saturday for the Club’s annual Remembrance fixture, where we will come together to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

With Olwen set to join us as a special guest on her 104th birthday, it promises to be a particularly meaningful occasion.