A care home resident in Glasgow has been innundated with cards for her 101st birthday after it was revealed that she spent her 100th birthday alone.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, centenarian Edna Clayton sadly experienced a lonely big birthday in 2021, but a plea from her care home manager for people to send cards has resulted in thousands of birthday wishes this year. Online card retailer Moonpig got behind the campaign, designing a personalised card in Edna’s honour and raising £15,000 for older people’s charity Independent Age in the process.

Independent Age’s Head of Scotland, Claire Donaghy, who joined Edna on her big day, said

“It was an honour to meet Edna, Glasgow’s newest celebrity, and wish her a happy birthday from everyone at Independent Age. She is the talk of the town and it was lovely to see some of the thousands of cards that she has received from all around the world. She is an astonishing woman and deserves all the well wishes she has received.

“Unfortunately we know that Edna is not alone in missing out on celebrations for important milestones because of Covid-19 restrictions. Many older people up and down the country had similar experiences to Edna during the pandemic and as the latest restrictions ease, it’s so important that people can rebuild connections to combat loneliness and isolation. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Edna and Moonpig for choosing to support Independent Age. The money raised through this initiative could help us to reach more isolated older people.”

The national older people’s charity marked the special occasion by gifting a Moonpig sweet hamper to Edna, alongside the birthday card that has raised vital funds to help other older people who may also be experiencing loneliness.

Picture: Edna Clayton with her card, c. Independent Age