A WOMAN who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday has been sent hundreds of cards following an appeal in the Argus.

Marjorie Ovens, of Newport, celebrated her birthday at the nursing home where she lives. She has no children, and following the death of her husband, Eric, she lost touch with her living relatives.

Following our appeal for birthday cards, Mrs Ovens has been inundated with more than 250 cards, plus gifts and visitors.

Bridget Pickin, nurse manager at the Eleanor Hodson House Nursing Home in Caerleon, said it was a wonderful day. “Marjorie got up at 8am and got her hair done and it hasn’t stopped since then. She has had about 250 cards and people visiting all day.

“Llantarnam School came to visit with hand-made birthday cards. All the local schools sent Marjorie cards. She had a visit from the mayor and mayoress, strangers came to visit, some even came from Cardiff and Bargoed. I can’t believe it.”

The nursing home is now filled with bouquets of flowers and helium balloons which were sent by well-wishers.

Ms Pickin added: “She smiled all day long. We have had trays of cupcakes being brought to the home. It has been a mad day, but in a good way. I didn’t think people could be so generous to someone they didn’t know.”

Mrs Ovens and the other residents enjoyed the cakes and treats that were delivered and had a special St David’s Day lamb cawl for lunch and sandwiches for supper.

She opened all her cards which were on display, which will be stored in boxes for her to read again. Mrs Ovens said she wanted to take it all in and that she enjoyed her birthday celebrations.

Her long-time friend Ros Strickland initially contacted the Argus to tell us about the special birthday. She said that the day has been non-stop and that they couldn’t believe the kindness people had shown.

She said: “When I got to the home at 9.30am there was a couple who came from Nantyglo who had come to wish her a happy birthday. People have come in to wish her well and they don’t know her. I cannot believe the kindness of people. The response was tremendous.”

As well as the extra visitors Mrs Ovens’ friends came to visit and send cards. One of her long-time friends, whom she has known since the war, made the journey to see her.

Members of her late husband’s family reconnected with Mrs Ovens as well as old colleagues and friends she had lost contact with.

More cards are expected to arrive in the next few days.

Ms Pickin said their postman couldn’t understand why there were so much for him to deliver.

Anyone wishing to send a birthday greeting can send it to Marjorie Ovens at the Eleanor Hodson House, Lodge Road, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 3QZ. Anyone who thinks they might be directly related to Mrs Ovens should ring 01633 777005.

Ros Strickland added: "On behalf of Marjorie Ovens, I would like to thank all who responded to the appeal for Birthday Cards for her  100th birthday.

"It is often said that people no longer care for others, well I can tell them  they are very, very wrong. At the last count there were over 250 cards, to say nothing of the flowers and gifts  she received.

"There were cards from school children, gifts and cards from businesses, people walking past just dropping in with a card.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all who made this day so special and particularly I would like to thank Bridget and all her staff at the Eleanor Hodson Home."