Littleborough man celebrates 80th birthday with colleagues

Brian (centre) celebrated his 80th birthday with his work colleagues

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A man from Littleborough celebrated his 80^th birthday with a surprise from his work colleagues on Wednesday (18 April).

Brian O’Mara, a Master Craftsman at Top Drawer Components Ltd, was surprised with lunch, balloons and a party cake after delivering sample boards to popular Bacup restaurant, Mario’s. His employer, based in Stacksteads, also celebrates five years of trade this month, in manufacturing bespoke timber for kitchen and bedroom trade.

Driving from Littleborough, Brian also picks up two fellow members of staff from Milnrow and Todmorden on his way. 

Managing Director Michelle Clare said: “Brian has worked for me for over 30 years. He believed he was delivering a new sample for a new shape board for Mario, but little did he know he would be having lunch there with balloons and party cake.

“We wish there were lots more “Brian’s” in the world. He is never off sick, never late and is so enthusiastic in his work and loves having a laugh with his work mates. He is generous and kind: he never asks for money from the lads who he brings to work in his car. He is active and fit and has a wicked sense of humour. 

“He still goes on holiday with his family every year to Cyprus and is off again this year in July.  He has informed us that he has no intention of giving up work, which is great news for us.”

Brian was joined by his colleagues, Pierce Taylor, Jason Rez, Stephen Walker, Connor Hardman, Director David Clare, and Managing Director Michelle Clare, who believe he is the double of Carl Fredricksen from the 2009 Disney Pixar film, Up.

Brian even surprised David at his 50^th birthday in 2016 by attending as Carl, complete with the tennis ball walker seen in the computer-animated feature.

Michelle added: “Brian loves people stopping him in supermarkets and restaurants and saying he is the double of Carl. He absolutely loves it. I sent his photo to a lookalike agency who said there was not a great call for Carl lookalikes but if they did get any interest, they certainly know the man for the job.

“He was so pleased when I showed him the agency’s response.”