Thousands Pledge Birthday Gifts To Woman Turning 100 With No Family Or Friends
Thousands have pledged birthday gifts to a woman turning 100-years-old at the end of the month. The widow has absolutely no family or friends, according to BuzzFeed. After a Facebook appeal was made to help Winnie Blagden celebrate her birthday on May 31, people with kind hearts began pledging birthday gifts to her.
The Facebook post by BBC Radio Sheffield about Winnie Blagden’s 100th birthday says “she has no family at all and not much contact with the outside world” and asks for help to make her birthday “really special.” The post has now been shared more than 40,000 times and been viewed an estimated 2.5 million times.
Joanne Lawton works at the ideal place to brighten up Winnie on her special day.
“I work in a florist and would love to send Winnie 100 pink roses for her birthday where can I have them delivered to?”
Andrew Firth is an entertainer, and he has pledged his musical services.
“I am a professional cabaret entertainer. Let me know a date and time for this wonderful occasion, and I’ll come along with my equipment and perform for free. I’ll also bring a card.”
Other services and gifts offered include a free lunch or dinner, a session with a professional photographer, and customized slippers from a clothing company. Many have also promised to send cards.
Radio Sheffield will present Winnie with the cards and gifts on May 28, a few days before her birthday. The gifts will be a surprise to the woman who thought she would get nothing since she has no one except her caregivers.
Other than 100 pink roses and a cabaret performance, Winnie has been offered a chauffeur-driven limousine for the day. One company offered to send a vintage china teacup and saucer set, and cards have been sent from around the world. A local pizza company said it would provide food for the celebration, and Jameson’s Cafe & Tea Rooms will make a birthday cake for Winnie.
The Telegraph says the BBC is helping to gather the cards and gifts that are pouring in. The BBC will also organize a birthday party for Winnie.
“It will mean the world to her, she’s just a normal person. She never moans, the carers look after her, they’re her family. To think that people have taken five or ten minutes and get a card for Winnie or reply to her on Facebook is wonderful.”
Birthday pledges, cards, and gifts for Winnie can be sent to BBC Radio Sheffield, 54 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4RS.
[Image via BBC Radio Sheffield Facebook]
