A 103-year-old widow who has outlived her relatives received 1,700 birthday cards from strangers after her care home launched an appeal.
Mabel White was overwhelmed by letters sent to her from all over the world, including well-wishers from India, Iceland, France and Canada.
Her carers at Watford House Care Home in New Mills, England, posted an appeal on social media for 103 cards to be sent in time for her 103rd birthday in January. 20.
Mabel, whose husband died five years ago, has no children and has outlived her family members and friends.
After the appeal was launched, her carers were amazed to be inundated with cards and gifts from strangers around the globe.
The heartwarming pictures show Mabel, who has suffered a stroke and has dementia, opening her letters as she celebrates her big day.
Activities manager Matthew Cox, who helped organize the appeal, said: “The response has been absolutely incredible.
“We were aware of Mabel’s birthday coming up and wanted to do something special for her.
“She came to live here when she was 98 after her husband of many, many years died.
“They had no children and we were aware that many of her relatives had died.
“When we launched the appeal, people in the community had fond memories of him.
“She lived all her life in Derbyshire and worked as a dinner lady, nursery nurse and in the post office.”
Caregivers had told well-wishers that Mabel was particularly fond of cats and received hundreds of letters and letters from pet lovers.
Matthew added: “People have been so kind.
“Mabel has spoken about her love for her cats and people sent pictures of their cats, which she enjoyed looking at.
“It’s brought the city together, people have really gone out of their way to make a difference and it’s been really touching.”
“We’ve had letters from all over the world that are all cat-related, which is fantastic.
“We still have letters coming in today, so we think we’ll have over 1,700 letters.
“People have even come to the house to have their picture taken with her – she’s become a real little character.”
A total of 19 schools in the High Peak helped celebrate the big day by coming to the care home to sing Happy Birthday to Mabel.
Matthew added: “We were singing her happy birthday and she started singing and joining in, which was such a special moment for her – it’s like we reconnected with her.”
“She had a great day with lots of cake and bubbles.”
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Image Source : nypost.com