Plea for birthday cards to celebrate Yorkshire woman's 100th birthday

Staff Southlands Bupa Care Home in Harrogate have asked members of the community to send in 100 birthday cards to surprise a special resident Edna Shires.

Edna, who has been a resident at the care home for 4 years, will attain centenarian status on the 13th August, and the team at Southlands are hoping to present her with as many birthday cards as possible from the local community to make her birthday as special as she is.

Edna is set to celebrate her birthday in the company of fellow residents, staff, and family, including her nieces Helen and Cath.

The entire Southlands community will be contributing to Edna’s big day – from residents creating cards and banners, staff decorating her bedroom and the ballroom, to Neil Ballinger, Chef at Southlands, making her favourite raspberry and cream cake to top off the celebrations.

When asked about her forthcoming milestone, Edna said: “I am very excited about my birthday this year. I don’t know quite what to expect, but as long as I have a cup of tea with two sugars and an éclair, I’ll be happy.

"I know that the Southlands team and all my friends and family are working hard to make it a day to remember, so I look forward to sharing it with them.”

Prior to calling Southlands home – Edna worked as an Accountant at Leeds Hospital for 20 years and lived with her husband, Brian in Meanwood, Leeds, where she enjoyed spending time tending to her garden.

The couple also enjoyed travelling across the UK with Edna having many fond memories of their time spent together on beaches across Cornwall and Devon.

Now at Southlands Bupa Care Home, Edna is a well-loved resident who continuously shares her stories with fellow residents and staff.

Emma Adamson, Senior Care Assistant at Southlands, said: “Edna always brightens my day with her smile and stories, we cannot wait to celebrate her special day with her.”

Lucy Washbrook, Activity Coordinator at the Bupa care home, added: “Edna has the warmest smile and loves to chat about the good old days. She has lived an extraordinary life and we are hopeful she will receive lots of beautiful cards that will show her how truly special she is.”

Anyone wishing to send Edna a birthday card can post one to Southlands Bupa Care Home, 9 Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2JA.