Card Factory to support the Royal Naval Association’s appeal to celebrate the birthday of Southend-on-Sea’s very own World War II hero, Dougie Shelley, who turns 100 on 23rd September 2025.
Dougie joined the Royal Navy aged just 17, serving as a seaman gunner, and took part in some of the most critical moments of the war, including the Arctic convoys and D-Day. Now, as one of the last surviving veterans, the Southend branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) has rallied the public to send 100 cards to mark his remarkable milestone.
As members of the local community, colleagues at the Card Factory Southend store felt a personal connection to Dougie’s story, so they worked with cardfactory’s in-house design team to create a bespoke birthday card in Royal Navy colours, personalised with Dougie’s name and signed by the whole team. They’ve also decorated the store window with a big “Happy 100th Dougie” message, and gifted balloons and decorations for his birthday party at the RNA HQ in Southend.
Carol Pendrigh, Committee Member of the Southend Branch of the RNA said: “Dougie is not just a veteran, he’s an Arctic convoy sailor and D Day veteran, a true local hero. His service means so much, and we want to ensure his 100th birthday is one he will never forget. The support from cardfactory and the public has been incredible – it really shows how much people still care about honouring our veterans.”
Andy Thornburrow, Regional Manager for Card Factory Southend, added: “Dougie’s story has touched all of us here in Southend. It’s been a joy for the team to be a part of Dougie’s birthday and see the community come together to celebrate a truly inspiring man. Southend has a proud naval heritage, and we hold a deep respect for our maritime history. Dougie is a local hero who represents a living connection to that history, which is why our colleagues at cardfactory wanted to recognise him reaching the incredible age of 100.”
The Southend branch of the RNA continues to play an active role in the community, attending parades, marking significant anniversaries, and raising funds for seafaring charities as well as many fun social events. Their work helps ensure the sacrifices and service of naval personnel, past and present, are remembered and respected throughout the year. The RNA Southend branch is a charity and a social club, where everyone in the community, not just former Royal Navy personnel, are welcome.
