Sandwell care home issues heartfelt birthday card appeal for near-centenarian
A Black Country care home is calling on the public to help make a local woman’s 100th birthday one to remember by sending her a birthday card.
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Irene Weaver, who lives at Roxburgh House Care Home in Cradley Heath, turns 100 on May 28, and staff are hoping to gather at least 100 cards from the public to mark her milestone.
The team at the care home are encouraging well-wishers to send cards — whether shop-bought or homemade — complete with a heartfelt message or even a joke to bring a smile to Irene’s face.
Deputy manager at the care home, Sean Smith, said they like to make a 'big celebration' of the milestone.
"We are hoping to see at least 100 cards for Irene," said Sean. "It's proven really positive in other homes where residents have received 100 cards or more, and I think its nice for families to see how much of an interest we take into their special birthday, because its not like any other birthday.
"So we want to make it extra special and big thing for the residents. We already have lots of cards but are keeping it a secret until her big day."
Irene, who is on the Harmony dementia ward, has lived with dementia for a few years but Sean says she is 'very happy in herself' and aware.
Born in Birmingham in 1925, Irene has lived through a century of change. That same year, the city unveiled the Hall of Memory in Centenary Square to honour those lost in the First World War.
She grew up alongside four sisters and a brother, later working in a warehouse. After marrying her husband Tom, the couple raised three children. Irene is now a proud grandmother to six and great-grandmother to another six.
Known for her love of animals — especially cats and dogs — Irene moved into Roxburgh House in March with the support of her family.
Staff say they’re excited to mark her big day and hope the flurry of cards will remind her of the joy she’s brought to others over the years.
“She’s an incredible lady and we want her to know just how fabulous she is,” added a member of the care team.
Cards can be sent to Irene Weaver, Roxburgh House Care Home, Beeches Road, Cradley Heath, B64 6NE.
