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Bearsted woman turns 100 with more than 700 birthday cards from around the world

A 100-year-old had an unforgettable 100th birthday party when she received more than 700 cards from all over the world.

Ivy Watson lives at the Barty House Nursing Home, in Bearsted, and had her wonderful surprise planned by members of staff.

Ivy Watson (centre) with carers Teigan Clifton (left) and Emily Sanders (right) Picture: Laura Tierney
Ivy Watson (centre) with carers Teigan Clifton (left) and Emily Sanders (right) Picture: Laura Tierney

The nursing home initially asked for 100 cards for Ivy's birthday yesterday.

To everyone's joy and excitement, Ivy received 723 cards, some of them all the way from Scotland, America, and even Australia!

Local schools made cards for her, and she also received many flowers and balloons.

Ivy was overwhelmed with joy and could not believe the surprise.

She kept asking the caretakers: "Are you sure these cards are for me?"

The 723 cards fill up the hallway and Ivy's bedroom Picture: Laura Tierney
The 723 cards fill up the hallway and Ivy's bedroom Picture: Laura Tierney
Some cards came all the way from Australia and the United States Picture: Laura Tierney
Some cards came all the way from Australia and the United States Picture: Laura Tierney

The entire hallway is covered in cards all the way into Ivy’s room, where all four walls are also completely filled.

Laura Tierney, head of activities at Barty House, said this was the best day of her career.

Her favourite moment was feeling people's kindness and generosity from around the world when putting up the cards on the walls.

She said: "I was so overwhelmed, I cried so much!

"Everyone keeps saying 'well done, you', but it wasn’t just me - it was the other hundreds of people who went out of their way to make and send Ivy a birthday card."

The surprise was followed by a special birthday party Picture: Laura Tierney
The surprise was followed by a special birthday party Picture: Laura Tierney

Carers pampered Ivy with a beautiful hairstyle and makeup, as they "wanted to make Ivy feel special".

She also enjoyed a wonderful birthday party with the staff and fellow residents at the nursing home to mark an unforgettable day.

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