As Remembrance Sunday approaches, we were honoured to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr Lewis Scott a longstanding Gentoo customer and proud Army veteran whose remarkable life reflects the resilience, pride and spirit of Sunderland over the past century.
Born in 1925, Mr Scott moved into his Gentoo home in 1959. Over the years, he has served in the Korean War, worked in the shipyards, and witnessed Sunderland’s transformation from its industrial roots to the vibrant city it is today.
Despite reaching a milestone few achieve, Mr Scott remains modest about turning 100. “I’ve never felt any different,” he told us. “My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, but I still use the stairs and exercise every morning. I’m fitter than some of my family!”
His home has been a constant for 66 years, made special by the presence of his family, which he describes as “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Reflecting on Sunderland’s evolution, Mr Scott recalled his early days in the East End, where homes had no indoor taps and water was boiled in a cement basin over a brick fireplace. Today, he marvels at the city’s progress, praising the redevelopment of the Sheepfolds and the new bridge, which he crossed on its second day open. “I think it’s wonderful,” he said.
A lifelong Sunderland AFC supporter, Mr Scott fondly remembers his first visit to Roker Park in 1937 with his father - the year Sunderland won the FA Cup. “The players came out in white strips, and one of them was carrying the cup. I’ll never forget Raich Carter scoring.”
Mr Scott’s time in the Army took him far from home. Serving in the 7th Tank Regiment during the Korean War, he shared a poignant memory of meeting a young girl at Suwon railway station. “We became friends. I called her June, and she called me Geordie. When I had to leave, she cried.” He also spoke of the heartbreak of losing comrades, including a sergeant killed in a mortar strike and a young lad from Middlesbrough who drowned while helping refugees cross a river. “He was a good lad,” Mr Scott said.
After Korea, Mr Scott served in Hong Kong for 18 months before returning to Sunderland and resuming work in the shipyards.
Throughout his long tenancy, Gentoo has supported Mr Scott in many ways. “The wellbeing team have been great,” he said. “They fitted handrails at the front door, on the stairs, and in the bathroom. We’d also get letters from Gentoo thanking us for keeping our garden tidy.”
To mark his special milestone, Mr Scott was visited by Hayley King, Neighbourhood Coordinator and Carla Cuthbertson, Support Coordinator. As some of you may know, Carla dedicates her personal life to championing veterans and remembrance. Alongside her husband Tom, Carla was awarded an MBE in 2020 for their tireless work through the charity Brothers In Arms, founded in memory of their son Nathan, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008 at just 19 years old. Since then, the couple have devoted themselves to raising money to help others and creating spaces for reflection and remembrance. One of their most recent and meaningful contributions is the veteran’s walkway in Mowbray Park, which now stretches over 50 metres and stands as a lasting tribute to those who have served.
This Remembrance Sunday, Mr Scott plans to visit Mowbray Park and the veteran’s walkway, a tribute he’s proud to see in his city. “I’ve got a big poppy and always send money in support. I was over the moon to hear about the veterans’ path.”
When asked what advice he’d give to younger generations, his response was simple but powerful: “Work cures a lot. If you get a job, you’ll be ok.”
Knowing our customers is about more than just providing the right support, it’s about listening, learning and celebrating the incredible lives they’ve led. Mr Scott’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and community spirit that shape our city. We’re proud to support and celebrate customers like Mr Scott, whose remarkable life continues to inspire us all.
