107-year-old North East woman gets 177 birthday cards

A birthday card appeal attracted an overwhelming response from well-wishers across the globe.

Irene Gibson, who lives at Abbeyfield Castle Farm in Gosforth, received 177 birthday cards after staff launched an appeal to get 107 cards to mark her milestone.

Cards poured in from across the UK and beyond, including Dubai, Devon, Oxfordshire and the Wye Valley.

Days after the celebrations, staff were still working their way through the mountain of post.

The cards are now proudly displayed throughout Irene’s room and have even spilt out into the hallway for fellow residents and visitors to admire.

Irene said she “just couldn’t believe how many cards she had received.”

When asked what it feels like to reach the age of 107, her answer was also typically understated.

She said: “Just the same.”

Born at 21 Fuller Road in Byker on September 4, 1919, Irene has witnessed more than a century of change across the North East.

The street where she was born was demolished during the development of the Byker Wall estate.

Before the Second World War, Irene worked at the North East Schools Furnishing Company on Grainger Street, remembered by her son George as the city’s shop for school books, pencils and classroom supplies.

During the war, Irene served with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at Marston Moor in Yorkshire before marrying Tom in 1946.

(Image: Abbeyfield Northumbria)

The couple spent 45 happy years together before he died in 1991.

Irene’s family includes her son George, grandchildren Ruth and Chris, and great-grandson Sam.

At 107, Irene remains one of the most active residents at Abbeyfield Castle Farm.

She joins activities, attends exercise classes three times a week and is particularly fond of tai chi.

She also enjoys coffee trips with fellow residents and gets around independently with a walker.

Irene’s birthday celebrations featured live entertainment, a special lunch and cake, with Irene and George as guests of honour.

As a former WAAF member, she was also presented with a veteran’s pin badge by representatives from The Newcastle Hub and Veterans in Care, recognising her wartime service.

Helen Angel, activities coordinator at Abbeyfield Castle Farm, said: “The response was truly overwhelming.

"Irene received an incredible 177 birthday cards, all of which are now proudly displayed in her room and throughout the hallway for everyone to admire.”

Having reached the grand age of 107, Irene’s advice for a long life is refreshingly simple:

She said: “Just carry on doing the right thing.”