Appeal launched to get 100 birthday cards for Barbara as she approaches her century
An appeal has been launched to help celebrate the 100th birthday of a Melton Mowbray care home resident by the community sending her 100 cards.
Barbara Gill will be surrounded at The Amwell Care Home by members of her family, friends and the care team who support her when she reaches the age milestone on Monday September 14.
Born and raised in the village of Burton Lazars, she has spent much of her life connected to the local countryside and the farming community.
Her devoted daughter visits her every day and regularly takes Barbara out to spend time with family and friends.
The Asfordby Road care home is now hoping the wider community can become part of her special birthday celebrations by helping them reach their target of 100 birthday cards – one for every year of her life.
The team is inviting residents, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations to send Barbara a birthday card and help create a very special collection of birthday wishes from across the community.
A spokesperson for The Amwell said: “We would absolutely love to reach 100 birthday cards for Barbara.
“She has lived such an incredible life, and family and community mean so much to her.
"We thought it would be wonderful to bring the local community together to help celebrate her 100th birthday and show Barbara just how many people are thinking of her.”
During the Second World War, Barbara proudly served in the Women’s Land Army, working for AH Crane, before later becoming a farmer’s wife and continuing her lifelong connection to rural life.
Family has always been at the heart of her life.
And there is one other tradition that has become synonymous with Barbara over the years – her nightly glass of Baileys.
Every evening before bed, she enjoys her favourite tipple, with staff at The Amwell often joking that it must be part of the secret to helping her reach the grand old age of 100.
The care home hopes the appeal will bring a smile to Barbara’s face and create a lasting memory of her centenary celebrations.
Send your cards to Barbara at 55 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 0HN.