PAY OUT STAY IN
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A PLUCKY pensioner pressed ahead with his 100th birthday – even though his family had to watch him blow out his candles through a window.
Johnston Gibson was supposed to have a huge party with 25 loved ones to celebrate becoming a centenarian.
He was also due to meet his six-week-old granddaughter for the first time.
But the Covid-19 outbreak meant the bash could not go ahead as the care home he lives in has been put on lockdown.
The retired farmer, who has five grandsons and six granddaughters, did not let that get in the way of his celebrations at Westfield Care Home in Lockerbie.
His daughter Jane, 67, son Brian, 64, and daughter-in-law Helen, 66, went to celebrate with him. And they made sure they stuck to Government advice on social distancing by staying outside and watching him open his cards through his window.
The doting greatgrandad, who asked for charity donations rather than presents, received cards and a special balloon and a card from the Queen.
Staff and other residents cut his cake and sang Happy Birthday to him.
Jane said: “As a carer, I understand why it had to be cancelled but as a daughter I was very upset.
“But we rallied round and had his celebration as best we could. We wished my dad Happy Birthday through the window and watched him opening his card from the Queen.” Brian added: “When things get back to normal, we plan to provide our father with a belated birthday celebration for family and friends.”
Locked-down pensioners are being virtually reunited with their family after coronavirus led to visiting hours at a care home being stopped.
Dalmellington Care Centre, in Ayr, is posting heartwarming videos on social media so loved ones can see how their parents are doing.
Quarantined residents are also being taught how to use Skype and Facetime so they can stay in contact with their families.
One woman spent her 85th birthday without a single visitor but the home posted a video of her blowing out her candles to let loved ones be part of the special moment.