North Shields community comes together to celebrate resident's 100th birthday
Gwen Atkinson is a much-loved member of her local community.
100-year-old Gwen Atkinson
Submitted by Molly Grant
A resident at HC-One's Redesdale Court care home was pampered earlier this month as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Gwen Atkinson from North Shields, Tyne and Wear, reached her centenary on March 5, and enjoyed a fun-filled day with lots of surprises.
Gwen's special day began with hair curling and breakfast before enjoying a video call to her granddaughter Lucy Atkinson in Australia, whom she hadn't seen for two years.
Colleagues at Redesdale then attempted to open some of the 200 plus cards received from the local public before ringing family and friends.
Gwen was then taken into the garden for what she believed was to get some fresh air but to her surprise Preston Grange Primary School had organised, with wellbeing staff, to sing Happy Birthday to Gwen, who even had a surprise appearance from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
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On returning indoors Gwen was greeted by all her fellow residents who also sang to her as she was presented with her cake.
Gwen then had a surprise visit from her son and his family and she was presented with her letter from the Queen. All day, Colleagues received kind donations from the local community in what was such an amazing day for Gwen.
Redesdale Court Home Manager, Daniel Ridley said: "We can’t thank our local community enough for all the donations received in making this day so special.
"I felt so proud as a manager to see what my staff had managed to organise and the community involvement during such a difficult time."
