Grealish sends birthday wishes to 106-year-old fan

Mary Spiers in bed with her Manchester City blanket and birthday cards.
Image caption,

Manchester City fan Mary Spiers turned 106 on Sunday

  • Published

Manchester City football star Jack Grealish has sent a special birthday gift to one of his team's oldest fans.

Mary Spiers celebrated the milestone on Sunday and was handed a signed shirt from the Manchester City players alongside a video message from the midfielder.

BBC Radio Manchester reached out to City after Mary's home at Bowerfield Court Care in Stockport appealed for people to send in cards for the birthday girl.

More than 300 cards have now been sent to celebrate Mary's big day.

Media caption,

Jack Grealish sends 106-year-old woman birthday message

Mary, who listens to every City game on the radio, said her love for the team had started when her family introduced her to them.

"Oh my family love Manchester City, and I join in with them," she said.

"I'm hoping to meet some of the players, shake hands with them, kick a football around."

Image caption,

Mary has received cards from King Charles and Queen Camilla

She said she felt "like a celebrity" after receiving so many cards.

"I believe I've got a whole post-box downstairs," she said.

"I keep saying 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here!'"

Genesi Carroll, the care home's lifestyle coordinator, said they had never expected to get such a huge response, adding: "My first guess was around 80 or 90 cards. I thought that would be difficult, so to see so many arriving has been amazing."

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