Woman, 107, receives 400 birthday cards after Facebook appeal

News imageJohn Fairhall/BBC Millie Hopkins and her 107th birthday cardsJohn Fairhall/BBC
Blenheim House Care Home has received 400 birthday cards for Millie Hopkins' 107th birthday

A woman celebrating her 107th birthday has received 400 cards after her care home asked people on Facebook to help make it a birthday to remember.

Millie Hopkins has lived at Blenheim House Care Home in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, since 2014 and is their oldest resident.

Home manager Marlene Ashard said they had been overwhelmed by the response.

"It's amazing," she said, adding that cards had been received from around the world.

News imageBlenheim House Care Home Millie HopkinsBlenheim House Care Home
Even with annual cards from the Queen, carers said getting cards from members of the public would make her feel special

The care home had wanted to do something special for Ms Hopkins for her 12 May birthday, as Covid restrictions over the past two years had meant she was unable to properly celebrate.

"You had to do something, especially as she was so excited about her birthday," Ms Ashard said.

Deputy care home manager Alicja Marvell said Ms Hopkins was "a huge character" at the care home and had bought gold shoes and a crown for the birthday.

"She loves her bling, she loves her jewellery, a good nail polish and loads of rings, that's just Millie," she said.

"She's 107, how amazing is that?" said Ms Marvell.

News imageJohn Fairhall/BBC Millie Hopkins reads a birthday cardJohn Fairhall/BBC
Millie Hopkins received cards from people across the world
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