Vera celebrates 100th birthday with 450 cards

Vera on her birthdayImage source, Charlie O'Loughlin/ BBC
Image caption,

Vera Radford thanked everyone for making her day so special

  • Published

A care home resident in Hull received over 450 cards from all over the world to wish her a happy 100th birthday

Vera Radford from Saltshouse Haven Care Home also received a card from King Charles III.

Vera used to be a firefighter during World War Two and said she was “proud of what I’ve done”.

Staff at the home had previously made an appeal on social media for people to send their best wishes to Vera.

On Saturday staff threw her a party and received visitors from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, who she reminisced with about her role as a firefighter during the war.

Following the visit, Vera said it was the first time she had felt proud of the part she played.

She explained: “Wherever the bomb dropped. That was where I used to start to put it out. It was scary. There were some times when you were terrified.

“The worst time was when Hull was badly bombed and I can remember being surrounded by explosions. That sticks in my mind.”

The card from the King read: “We are so pleased to know that you are celebrating your 100th birthday on the 27th of April 2024. This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion”.

Both Vera and Saltshouse Haven Care Home have thanked everyone involved in making her birthday as special as possible.

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