IT did not look like being a 100th birthday to remember for one Warwickshire resident.
That was until Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service heard about Betty’s landmark big day.
Fire chiefs found our her birthday party had been cancelled due to the pandemic and they knew they had to do something to help mark the milestone.
The call to help the Leamington resident celebrate her birthday came following a phone call from the Fire Prevention Team, who have been calling residents who have recently had a safe and well visit.
The idea behind the calls are to see how our more vulnerable residents are doing and to see if they need any help or support.
When on the call to an officer, Betty mentioned she would appreciate a food parcel which crews have been delivering. She also mentioned it was her birthday today and had to cancel her party because of the lockdown, which she was clearly upset about.
Following the call, the team stepped into action and decided to help Betty mark this very special occasion with a real community spirit and a birthday surprise.
Warwickshire Police were keen to help out and even organised a singer to go long and sing with the crew and EdlibleLinks, who kindly agreed to donate a food parcel to help bring the 100th birthday surprise together.
While on the call Betty also mentioned she had two children who lived in Hong Kong who were going to miss out on helping her celebrate. So again, the challenge was set for the team to get in touch with them and let them in on the secret of the surprise sing along and invited them to join the celebrations virtually.
Asst Ch Fire Officer Ben Brook said: “We know the lockdown has been difficult for many, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable and we know how hard it can be for those people who haven’t been able to see their loved ones or friends.
“But to turn 100 without being able to mark the occasion in some way, was not something we could let happen. So, what better way to mark Betty’s day, than to show some real community spirit with our blue light colleagues our partners and the local community, to give Betty the birthday celebrations she deserves.
“It was a real honour to be able to meet Betty, she is a fantastic lady. From all of us here at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Warwickshire Police and the local community, we wish Betty a very happy 100th birthday and hope that in these difficult times that we have in some way brought a little joy to her day.”
As part of the celebrations Betty was presented with gifts, a card, flowers and cake, all while social distancing of course.
