Nellie Nets More than 900 Birthday Cards for Epic Milestone

A 103-year-old war veteran was given a memorable birthday after receiving more than 900 cards from well-wishers all over the globe.

Nellie Orme, who was born on July 15, 1920, drove buses and served in the Woman’s Royal Air Force during World War Two.

In the lead up to her birthday, Nellie’s care home Tunstall Hall Care Centre, made a Facebook appeal for 103 cards to celebrate her milestone and thank her for her service.

After the appeal went live on July 4, birthday cards started rolling in, and didn’t stop! More than 900 cards arrived for Nellie from all over Britain, while international phone calls and emails came from as far away as America and Australia.

“I’d seen appeals like this before, so I thought I’d give it a try and see if we could get 103 cards for Nellie’s 103rd birthday,” Tunstall Hall Care Centre Deputy Manager Vicky Richards told Reuters.

“The postman then started delivering boxes and boxes full of cards. Whenever we told Nellie there were another 100 cards that had been delivered, she let out a little giggle. We’re absolutely blown away by the response and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would go so viral.

These past few years have been really challenging for care homes, so for everyone to come together worldwide and show their love for Nellie is really amazing.”

Nellie celebrated with a special afternoon cake and tea party with staff, residents, and serving members of the RAF. Staff have promised to read her every single birthday card, no matter how long it takes!

Nellie also enjoyed a quiet weekend celebration with her family, which included her son, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.