81-year-old makes hundreds of Christmas cards for dementia charity

A care home resident, who makes thousands of greetings cards every year, is hoping to spread some Christmas cheer as she gets creative for charity.

Patricia Griffiths is hoping to donate the money raised through the sale of her Christmas cards to the home's chosen charity, Alzheimer's Association.

The 81-year-old, who lives at Kings Lodge care home in Camberley, Surrey, started her hobby seven years ago, with the help of her daughter Alison.

She said: “I took a lesson as part of an activity in a care home and decided to continue it. I have made thousands since then, there is always someone asking for a card for an occasion, a wedding, a christening and now of course Christmas."

Ms Griffiths, who raised over £100 for the charity in October, uses recycled materials and old cards to make her new designs.

She added: “I particularly like traditional Christmas cards with stags and deers on as we have a nature trail behind the care home and we see lots of them bouncing through the grass and trees."

Family, friends and staff at King's Lodge care home call Ms Griffiths their 'inspiration'.

Peter Lloyd, Aura Care Living's marketing director, added: "Patricia is so creative and has helped us all out when it comes to our greetings cards, whether it is Mothers Day or Valentines.

"It is incredible to think that she only started seven years ago. Her Christmas cards are on display in our reception and money from the sale of the cards will go to our nominated charity - the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Kings Lodge is a purpose-built home offering residential, dementia, respite and day care services.