Ivor Foster, a 99-year-old war hero, has expressed feelings of betrayal and abandonment as he faces the crippling costs of £5,000 per month for his care home fees. Having served in the prestigious Bomber Command during World War II, Ivor played a vital role in weakening Germany's military capabilities. However, despite his heroic service, he now finds himself relying on the proceeds from selling his home and his pension to cover the rising care costs, which have rapidly depleted his savings.

Ivor, who is nearing his 100th birthday in August, served as a gunner with the 186 Squadron, flying missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Known as 'Blondie' to his comrades, he was fortunate to survive the war, unlike many of his fellow airmen. Of the 125,000 airmen who served in Bomber Command, over 55,000 did not return.

Now residing in Plymouth, Ivor faces increasing isolation as his savings have run out. His daughter-in-law, Lynn, voiced her concerns, stating, 'His money won’t last much longer. This is no way to treat our heroes. He feels forgotten, and it’s devastating to watch him feel let down by society.'

Ivor’s wife, Bernice, passed away in 2012 after 65 years of marriage, and he has since lost both of his sons to cancer. Now in a care home in Plymstock, he is taken care of by compassionate staff, but much of his time is spent reflecting on his life and the sacrifices made by his comrades. As the UK prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, Ivor’s story serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by many veterans in their later years.

The rise in care home fees has become a national concern, with one in seven care homes now charging over £1,800 per week. This increase, which is expected to climb by another 10% this month, highlights the deepening care crisis in the UK. Many elderly people, including war veterans like Ivor, now face annual care costs nearing £104,000, forcing families to sell their homes to cover these expenses.

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, shared her concern, saying, 'Ivor Foster, one of the few surviving pilots from RAF Bomber Command, is being unfairly burdened with high care costs. If we truly owe so much to veterans like him, why are they being treated this way?'

As the anniversary of VE Day approaches, many hope that Ivor's story will bring attention to the issue of care for veterans, ensuring that they receive the respect and support they deserve after sacrificing so much for their country.