Woman receives 1,700 cards for 103rd birthday

It took staff 12 hours to place the hundreds of cards inside the care home conservatory

A care home resident has received more than 1,700 cards after an appeal was launched to help her celebrate her 103rd birthday.

Mabel White, who lives at Watford House Care Home in New Mills, Derbyshire, celebrated her birthday on Monday.

After setting a goal to receive 103 cards for Mrs White's birthday, staff at the care home have been "inundated" with cards from India, Iceland, France, Canada and the UK.

Activities manager Matthew Cox said: "It's brought the town together, people have really gone out of their way to make a difference and it's been really touching."

Activities manager Matthew Cox presented Mrs White with a cake for her birthday

Mrs White has no children or family, so staff started the community appeal so that she could "feel special" on her big day.

Well-wishers were advised to send cards that feature Mrs White's two favourite things - travelling and cats.

"We have had cards from all over the globe that are all associated with cats, which is fantastic," said Mr Cox.

"We still have cards coming in today, so we think we will have over 1,700 cards."

Birthday cards were spread across the care home

Mr Cox said there had been a "real buzz in the town" since the appeal was launched.

"People were stopping me in the street to ask about her birthday, and local businesses have given us treats and gifts," said Mr Cox.

A total of 19 schools in High Peak helped celebrate the big day by creating gifts, cards and coming into the care home to sing Happy Birthday to Mrs White.

"She had a great day with lots of cake and bubbles," said Mr Cox.

"A massive thank you to everyone who took their time out of their day to think about Mabel, we can't thank people enough."