Great-gran, 103, shocked when she get very special birthday treat

16 July 2023 , 16:24

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Nellie Orme received hundreds of cards for her 103rd birthday (Image: SWNS)

As she turned 103, Nellie Orme’s care home put out a plea for birthday cards that really delivered – giving her a haul of more than 900.

Staff wanted to do something special for her, so they asked on social media for help to get her 103 messages, one for each of her years. Nellie was stunned when the postman turned up with a box full of cards from strangers. Then staff were stunned when he came back with another. Followed by another. And another…

The veteran was left gobsmacked by the cards (SWNS)

Such was the response that by Nellie’s birthday on Saturday, more than 900 cards had arrived, from as far away as Tasmania and the US.

Deputy manager Vicky Richards, 44, said: “Nellie didn’t expect anything because as she told us, she’s 103 and has everything she needs. But it’s such a milestone we couldn’t let it go unnoticed and launched a Facebook appeal to get 103 cards for her 103rd. The postman started delivering boxes full of cards and whenever we told Nellie another 100 had arrived, she let out a little giggle. We’re blown away. For everyone to come together worldwide and show their love for Nellie is amazing.”

Nellie has lived through 27 Prime Ministers and five monarchs (SWNS)

When Nellie was born on July 15, 1920, George V was on the throne and David Lloyd George was PM. The great-gran – who has lived through 27 PMs and five monarchs – worked as a bus driver and served in the Women’s RAF in the Second World War.

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An officer from RAF Shawbury even delivered a card by hand. Tunstall Hall Care Centre in Market Drayton, Shrops, will read all 900 cards to Nellie, even if takes months. Ms Richards added: “We love her, she’s like family to us and deserves to be pampered. She’s a star.”

John Kelly