Auntie Ethel is a resident at Okeley Care Home and was the centre of attention this weekend as she celebrated her 102nd birthday.
Birthdays during this period of lockdown have been affected, as friends and family would usually visit and join in with celebrations at the home. However, with visitation still being limited, team members are looking for other ways to make the days exciting!
Knowing how important this life milestone is for Auntie Ethel, Shoenagh (Home Manager, Okeley) set out on a mission to get Auntie Ethel 102 cards for her birthday from people all around the country. She knew this was a big task, but with the support and extraordinary gestures we've seen over the last few weeks, knew that it was possible.
Using the home's Facebook page and support from Chelmsford Community Radio (CCR) and Essex Live, she got the message out to local people to ask if they could send a card. The message was also shared internally across the Excelcare family to source support for Ethel and birthday wishes from around the group.
We're pleased to say that once again, our calls for support have been answered and surpassed! Auntie Ethel recieved 151 lovely birthday cards from around the UK, sharing thoughts, wishes and birthday messages. It certainly took some time to get through them all in the morning, but Auntie Ethel enjoyed reading each and every one.
After opening her cards, Auntie Ethel joined a ZOOM video chat with Oliver Rodgers from CCR as he was hosting a special show about people who were over 100 years old, with guests including Sir Tom Moore. It went very well and Auntie Ethel thoroughly enjoyed being on the show.
She then took some time out to relax and catch up with her friends at the home.
Another special call came through in the afternoon, but this time from the newly appointed Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakon and her daughter, the Mayoress. This was their first public engagement since being appointed which was exciting and certainly created conversation at the home. They enjoyed chatting together and wishing each other well for the future before heading off for a lunch buffet!
This included a colourful selection of treats that had been sent in by the Community Cake Angel. They were delightful and accompanied by the music, laughter and reminiscence, it made for a well enjoyed afternoon.
Auntie Ethel was also surprised with separate visits by her Son and Grandson. They stood a safe distance apart and had a chance to share their birthday messages. This was fulfilling for all and certainly ended the day in a positive way!
It was a very busy day for Auntie Ethel, but she was certainly grateful to everyone who helped to make her birthday special!