A WAR hero from Guiseley who collapsed just days before he was due to be honoured by the French Government for his bravery is still in hospital.
Harry Holmes, who is 101, was belatedly awarded the French Legion d'Honneur in recognition of his services during the 1914-18 war.
Mr Holmes, of Tranbeck Road, had been devastated when a paperwork mix-up meant that he was unable to receive the award before Christmas.
There were fears that he would miss out again when he collapsed with an ulcer while visiting relatives in Sheffield on New Year's Eve.
Undeterred, officials from his regiment and the Royal British Legion went to Sheffield's Hallamshire Hospital a few days later to present him with the Legion d'Honneur.
His granddaughter, Christine Crump, said: "They describe him as remarkable."
But family and friends who were looking forward to his return home this week were disappointed when he was taken ill with a chest infection.
His granddaughter believes that his plucky spirit is a great boost to his survival chances.
She said: "I have lost count of the number of times we have been sent for - but we know granddad.
"He's got a great fighting spirit, and he always sees the good things. My cousin said that having survived the trenches at the age of 17, he's always looked on life as a bonus."
She said Mr Holmes was deeply touched by the kindness of friends, relatives and carers.
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