Zetland Court resident receives over 550 birthday cards for her 102nd birthday

A resident at Zetland Court, in Bournemouth, has been overwhelmed with kindness after receiving more than 550 birthday cards from people across the country to mark her 102nd birthday.

Joan Rollason, who lives at the Home’s dementia house, celebrated her milestone birthday on Sunday 30 November. When staff asked Joan what she would like to mark the occasion, she simply replied:

Everyone.

Unsure how to fulfil such a special request, the team decided to reach out to the local community to see if they could help Joan feel surrounded by “everyone” on her big day. They invited people to send her birthday cards, hoping to reach at least 102 to match her age.

What followed far exceeded their expectations. The appeal quickly spread throughout Bournemouth and beyond, reaching playgroups, children’s clubs, community organisations, social care groups, BCP Council, various Masonic lodges, workplaces and households up and down the country.

Resident Joan proudly wears her 102nd birthday badge.

Birthday cards began arriving in their hundreds, along with flowers, teddy bears and plenty of chocolates. Staff at Zetland Court say they are still receiving cards for her. Once the celebrations are over, residents plan to give the cards a second life, transforming them into new crafts and decorations as part of an upcoming creative activity.

To mark the occasion, Joan has enjoyed two birthday celebrations. On Thursday, she attended Zetland Court’s dementia-friendly café, where she was surprised by Bournemouth’s town crier, who proudly announced her 102^nd birthday. On her birthday itself, she enjoyed a second party at the Home with her family, friends and a special visit from the Mayor.

Joan when she was younger, in the 1940s.

Sue Wiffen, Zetland Court’s Deputy Home Manager for Dementia, says:

We simply wanted to make Joan’s wish come true, and the response has been extraordinary! Joan was delighted and deeply touched by the kindness shown by so many people. It has made her 102nd birthday truly unforgettable.

[Summary: A resident at Zetland Court, in Bournemouth, has received more than 550 birthday cards from people across the country after staff asked the community to help fulfil her wish to be celebrated by “everyone” on her 102nd birthday.]