103-year-old widow with no living family members receives 1,700 birthday cards: ‘People have been so kind’

A 103-year-old widow who has outlived her relatives received 1,700 birthday cards from strangers after her care home launched an appeal.

Mabel White was overjoyed by the cards she was sent from around the world, including well-wishers from India, Iceland, France and Canada.

Her carers at Watford House Care Home in New Mills, England, posted a social media appeal for 103 cards to be sent in time for her 103rd birthday on Jan. 20.

Mabel, whose husband died five years ago, has no children and has outlived her family members and friends.

After the appeal was launched, her carers were stunned when they were flooded with cards and presents from strangers around the globe.

Heartwarming pictures show Mabel, who has suffered a stroke and has dementia, opening her cards as she celebrated her big day.

Activities manager Matthew Cox, who helped organize the appeal, said: “The response has been absolutely incredible.

“We were aware of Mabel’s birthday coming up and we wanted to do something special for her.

“She came to live here when she was 98 after her husband of many, many years passed away. 

“They did not have any children and we were aware many of her relatives had died.

“When we launched the appeal, people in the community had fond memories of her.

“She lived her whole life in Derbyshire and she worked as a dinner lady, a nursery nurse and in the post office.”

Carers had told well-wishers Mabel was particularly fond of cats and she received hundreds of cards and letters from pet-lovers.

Matthew added: “People have been so kind.

“Mabel has spoken of her love for her cats and people sent pictures of their own cats which she enjoyed looking at.

“It’s brought the town together, people have really gone out of their way to make a difference and it’s been really touching.”

“We have had cards from all over the globe that are all associated with cats, which is fantastic.

“We still have cards coming in today, so we think we will have over 1,700 cards.

“People have been even coming into the home to have their picture with her — she’s become a real little celebrity.”

A total of 19 schools in High Peak helped celebrate the big day by coming into the care home to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mabel.

Matthew added: “We were singing happy birthday to her and she started singing and joining in which was such a special moment for her — it’s like we connected with her again.”

“She had a great day with lots of cake and bubbles.”