Carla La Tella
Family & Pets

She missed her 100th birthday in lockdown, then this happened for 101

A care home resident who spent her 100th birthday alone during lockdown was absolutely blown away by the lavish celebration she was treated to when it finally came time to mark turning 101.

Scotland's Edna Clayton, who moved into the Hector House facility in Shawlands, Glasgow, last August, spent her milestone 100th birthday alone last year - with no cards, no visitors and no celebration.

But when staff discovered the milestone had gone unmarked, care home manager Angela Todd issued an appeal for the public to send Edna cards ahead of her 101st birthday a year later.

'It's been unbelievable," said Ms Todd. "We thought about 20 or 30 cards would come through the door, but we're sitting on at least 30,000."

Edna, who is an avid fan of the Good Morning Britain TV show, was surprised when one of the cards appeared to be Good Morning Britain-themed – with staff revealing that host Ben Shephard is her favourite presenter.

Edna was delighted with the card, saying: 'Oh it's gorgeous. It's beautiful, it is. It's a beautiful card'.

Edna spent her life caring for her beloved son James, who has Down's Syndrome and now lives in sheltered accommodation. Before the pandemic, Edna lived independently but 'lost confidence' as she became socially isolated during lockdown.

'The Big 100 was spent at home alone in her home in Battlefield,' Angela told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme earlier this month. 'We just feel that shouldn't have happened.'

After a breakfast of cake and champagne, Edna joined staff for a trip on a party bus tour around her old hometown of Anderston later in the afternoon.

Edna was also excited to receive a telegram from The Queen, which she should have received on her 100th birthday, however it is believed no one applied to the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace on her behalf.

Viewers were delighted by the segment, with several taking to Twitter to hail the moment 'adorable' and wish Edna a happy birthday.

'Aww bless her happy birthday Edna 101 year's young', wrote one user.

'Oh Edna you little darling happy birthday', wrote another.

A third said: 'Aww bless her. So lovely that the care home staff have made such a fuss of her. Happy Birthday Edna!'

Image: Good Morning Britian 

Tags:
birthday, glasgow, aged care, family & pets, caring