Yorkshire Woman Receives Birthday Cards From Hollywood Stars After Turning 100

A woman who turned 100 recently was sent birthday cards from Dustin Hoffman and the Prime Minister after a Facebook appeal was seen by six million people.

Lonely Winnie Blagden was inundated with an astonishing 16,000 cards and gifts after bosses at the Serenta HomeCare, a company which helps her live independently, wanted to make her birthday extra special.

The widow, from Sheffield, south Yorkshire, lives alone and has few remaining friends because of her age.

But she became a household name when the appeal to make her milestone birthday extra special went viral.

She was whisked into Sheffeld Town Hall for tea in the Lord Mayor’s parlour before enjoying a surprise birthday party - where she received cards from some very famous people.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman, a fan of the older lady - Mrs Robinson - in his film The Graduate, sent the pensioner their best wishes for her special day.

Mr Cameron wrote: “I am writing to wish you a very happy 100th birthday!

“This is a marvellous occasion and I hope that you will use this landmark birthday to celebrate all your many achievements over a century, and all that you have seen and experienced during this time.

“I would like to send you Samantha’s and my congratulations and very best wishes for a wonderful birthday.”

Hoffman, star of Rain Man and Meet The Fockers, sent Winnie a signed photograph with the message: “Happy, happy birthday on your big day. All the best to you.”

Winnie also received cards from as far afield as America, The Netherlands and Canada, while school children from across the country sent her colourful, handmade cards.

Among the array of birthday cards, messages and pictures on display at the Winter Gardens in Sheffield is a brief story of Winnie’s life and the appeal.

Winnie was born on Dalton Street, Heeley, on May 31, 1915 and married George Blagden on June 4, 1938.

The couple spent almost every day together until George passed away in 1985.

The display will be on in the Winter Garden for two weeks.