Hundreds of cards for 100-year-old retired nurse

Maisie Dalziel, 100, devoted her life to nursing

A former nurse was "over the moon" when hundreds of cards were sent to her care home to mark her 100th birthday.

Maisie Dalziel asked staff at Fleming Court Care Home in Jesmond, Newcastle, for some "nicely written cards", prompting an appeal for members of the public to write in.

After receiving 480 cards, she said: "I'm truly touched by your kindness – it's been a birthday I'll never forget."

The community also responded to calls for help with the celebrations, which included a performance from the Percy Hedley Foundation's BSL choir.

Miss Dalziel, who reached the milestone birthday on 5 June, was born in County Durham before moving to Newcastle during World War Two when her father secured work at the Vickers factory.

She then became a nurse and devoted her life to helping others in times of need.

Maisie enjoyed reading every card, the care home manager said

Care home manager Karen Stewart said Miss Dalziel enjoyed reading every card.

"Maisie is a truly special lady whose spirit lights up our home every day," she said.

Fourteen students from Northern Counties School in Jesmond, which is part of the Percy Hedley Foundation, also performed "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as part of the BSL choir.

Liam, 15, said it was a very emotional event.

"The way she enjoyed it just made me so happy," he said.

Eleven-year-old Oliver added: "I was nervous performing with her being 100 but it was amazing to make her feel happy."