BONUS TOKENS WORTH 200 VOTES INSIDE
APPEAL FOR 100 CARDS FOR 100TH BIRTHDAY IS BIG SUCCESS
A NORTH Shields care home’s appeal for 100 cards to be sent in by the public for their resident’s 100th birthday has gone global.
Over the past year, Kingfisher Care Home resident Mary Meeks has been missing her family as she hasn’t been able to see them properly due to lockdown restrictions.
With Mary’s celebration drawing closer, activities coordinator Natalia Hay took to social media to ask for people’s support to help make Mary’s day extra special.
And the grandma of one, greatgrandma of one and great-greatgrandma of two’s celebration of a century captured hearts from across the world.
Now cards have been sent in from Germany and America and the local community has pulled together to donate gifts, food, drink and decorations for her celebration.
Natalia said: “Mary is loving, caring, bubbly and always smiling. She is the soul of the party. I just wanted to make her day extra special.
“I am honestly overwhelmed by the help and support I am getting with organising Mary’s big 100th birthday. I never thought it would go this far, I’m really proud.
“We have a birthday cake, cupcakes, cheese and crackers, a sweet cart, beer kegs, wine, champagne, an amazing tiara and badge personalised all coming for Mary.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness and generosity. Everyone’s came together for our very special lady and we can’t appreciate it any more. I’m lost for words.”
And the staff are overwhelmed as they have received over 200 cards so far and Natalia has purchased a card opener tool in preparation to open them all on Mary’s birthday on April 23.
When she was younger, Mary used to love static caravans and making special memories with her husband, Arthur.
And until her early 90s Mary used to enjoy attending the bingo with her friends until she had two hip replacements and she was then diagnosed with dementia.
Although Mary doesn’t show much emotion, she shed a few tears when seeing her daughter, Valerie, through the window when she visited over lockdown.
But her best gift of all on her birthday will be having a face-toface visit from Valerie without a glass window keeping them apart.
The 76-year-old said: “Natalia has been very good, I’m really happy with the care home my mam’s is in.
“I haven’t really been able to see her or been inside but she seems happy where she is.
“Mary has been very stubborn all her life, that is probably how she is coming up to 100.
“I have arranged for her to receive a card from the Queen for her birthday. I’m looking forward to seeing her properly on her birthday and feel lucky to be part of her special day. Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful.”