Care home resident receives one of Queen's last 100th birthday cards

A centenarian at a care home in Christchurch has received one of the last 100th birthday cards from the Queen, with the care home’s manager calling it a “special keepsake” to “treasure forever”.

Mercia Crighton celebrated her landmark birthday at Fairmile Grange care home on Sunday 11 September. Her card from Queen Elizabeth II was delivered to the care home just days before she sadly passed away on Thursday 8 September.

Mercia was joined by a host of friends and family for her 100th birthday party, including her son, Neil, and his wife, Julia, who had travelled from Sweden to be there and took Mercia out for a special birthday lunch before they returned for more celebrations.

Two Dorset Police officers made Mercia’s birthday wish come true by presenting her with her card from the Queen, in honour of her late husband, who was a police officer.

Kim Butters, wellbeing manager at Fairmile Grange, said: “It was certainly a day to remember as we came together to celebrate Mercia’s special 100th birthday.

“It’s incredibly sad to think that Mercia is one of the last people to receive a card from the Queen before her death, which a lot of our residents are upset about, but it is a very special keepsake for Mercia to treasure forever.

“We are so pleased that we could spoil Mercia on her birthday and ensure that she could celebrate with her loved ones, as it’s not every day that one of our residents turns 100.”

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