Birthday cards pour in for 102-year-old Gwen

A Lincolnshire care home resident has received almost 400 cards from across the world as she celebrated her 102nd birthday on Sunday.

Toray Pines care home in Coningsby launched a cards campaign on social media so that resident Gwen Chapman would have plenty to open on her big day.

Gwen said the secret to longevity was "working hard" and "good food plus a cup of tea and chocolate."

The home said it had organised a party for Gwen's friends, family and fellow residents, who had also been drafted in to help open all the cards.

Children from Coningsby St Michael's School delivered 50 cards, with further messages of support sent by local Beaver and Rainbow groups and people in the United States and Australia.

Gwen was born in Kirkby-on-Bain and lived in Woodhall Spa for more than 75 years before moving to the care home in March 2025.

She married her husband, Eric, in 1948 and had four children.

The home said she was a "proud mum, grandmother and great-grandmother, with nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren".

Staff asked Gwen what advice she would now give to her younger self.

"To have more patience," she explained.

Gwen grew up working on her father's farm, where she said the family had prisoners of war working alongside them to help pick vegetables.

Remembering those days, Gwen said: "I had to be very brave."

These days Gwen enjoys good food and is rarely without some chocolate which she is said to keep in the bag attached to her walker "for emergencies".

She still has a few things on her wish list, according to the care home, including a return to The Dower House in Woodhall Spa for afternoon tea, where she once worked as a housekeeper.

Toray Pines staff said they were hoping to make that wish come true during her 102nd year.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices