Okay, everyone. Here’s your daily reminder that people are generally lovely. We could always do with one of those.

Lizzie Picken never got married and doesn’t have children, so she was expecting a rather lonely birthday when she turned 100 this week.

But instead, she woke up to 638 cards (plus some gifts) celebrating her big day.

Staff at Evergreen Residential Home, where Lizzie now lives, put out an appeal on social media, with the aim of getting 100 cards sent in time for Lizzie’s birthday.


Clearly that appeal went better than expected, as more than 600 cards and gifts turned up.

Jackie Tope, manager of the care home in Plymouth, Devon, said: ‘We started talking to Lizzie about her birthday because she was very excited about it.



‘I said I could put out a request on social media and it would be fun for her to get 100 cards for her 100th. She loved that idea.

‘She does have an older sister who is 103, but she lives in Scotland.

‘Lizzie was a career lady who never married. But she does have some family and she has some very good friends.’

The appeal began three weeks ago, but spread all over the internet last week. Total strangers wrote lovely messages for Lizzie to read on her birthday, alongside gifts for her to open on the day.

She had a visit from the centenarian team at the department for work and pensions a few weeks ago to talk about her birthday card from the Queen, and her family bought her a tiara to make sure she felt extra special – but no one expected the flood of cards that arrived from all over the UK.

The haul of gifts and envelopes were kept a secret until the big day, so care home staff were able to surprise her with the moving gesture

‘This is more than kind,’ said Lizzie. ‘It’s so thoughtful – I’m so grateful.’

Lizzie grew up in Birmingham before starting a career in the army. She moved down to Taunton to study nursing, and then to Plymouth, where she became a midwife.

She never married or had children, focusing instead on her work, and says she’s had a ‘wonderful life’ so far.

Now she lives at the care home, she’s mates with loads of other residents, regularly handing out chocolates and making jokes.

‘My friend Lesley has done a lot to keep me healthy, but back in the day I used to smoke like a chimney,’ said Lizzie.

‘I’ve been quite happy being single all my life and I’d recommend it to anyone, I’m quite self sufficient.

‘All moments of life are precious and I’ve been extremely lucky with mine, I’m very thankful.’

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