Care home resident Irene Downes receives hundreds of cards from strangers to celebrate 101st birthday

Irene Downes said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by the kindness of well wishers who sent a greeting to the care home where she is a resident. Staff at Woodlands Residential home in Wakefield, were saddened when they heard how her 100th birthday was ruined by Coronavirus restrictions. So manager Vikki Banks set about to make her birthday this year extra special and asked strangers to send a card to Irene. Vikki even appeared on local radio to plug her campaign to encourage more people to send cards. And on Friday, February 18, a giddy Irene opened more than 678 cards from people across the country. She said: “I just want to say thank you to everybody for being so kind. “I’m overwhelmed by your kindness. Thank you very much – I’m famous now.” Leeds lass Irene has been at the care home since September. She met her late husband, Frank, when she was just three years old at Sunday School and the pair married at 21, and had two sons, Geoffrey and Stephen. She was sent a card from the Queen for her 100th birthday, which is now framed and has pride of place on the wall of her room and she greets it every day with a royal wave. Sprightly Irene, who has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, said she loves visits from her family and even has a dance routine she does with the staff. She added: “I am quite in time with the routine – not bad for 100 years young! “My mother Florence lived until she was 104 years old and I looked after her through her later years – this milestone age must be in the blood!” Vikki said the response was 'amazing' and added: “My overall aim was to make her 101st birthday one to remember as Irene couldn’t celebrate her 100th birthday due to covid and I want to make this year memorable for her.” “It’s just amazing. Her family were here and straight after that, school children sang happy birthday. They were on the patio with the doors open. “She’s received 678 cards in total, but we are going to have a recount because they are coming in thick and fast. “It’s been overwhelming, she is just overwhelmed. When she was opening the cards, she was saying how “lovely” it was. “But she’s been quite speechless throughout it all." Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.