Gwen celebrates her 102nd birthday with more than 400 cards from around the world

Gwen Chapman celebrated her 102nd birthday at Toray Pines Care Home in Coningsby on Sunday 27 September, with more than 400 birthday cards sent by well-wishers across the UK and as far away as America and Australia.

Gwen Chapman celebrates her 102nd birthday at Toray Pines Care Home in Coningsby.

Our lifestyle team had launched a Facebook campaign with a simple aim: to collect 102 cards for Gwen’s 102nd birthday. The response brought hundreds more, with local schools and community groups joining people from around the world to send their wishes.

Children from Coningsby St Michael’s School delivered 50 cards, while local Beavers and Rainbows groups also contributed. On her birthday, fellow residents joined Gwen to help open the cards and read the messages.

“I just don’t know what to say, thank you very much,” said Gwen.

Birthday wishes for Gwen, including cards from local schools and community groups.

The celebrations continued on Sunday afternoon with a birthday party, bringing together residents, friends and family.

Sophie Lamming, lifestyle lead at Toray Pines, said: “We knew Gwen’s 102nd birthday was something special, but we never imagined the response would be quite like this.

“To have over 400 cards arrive from people all over the world, as well as so many wonderful messages from our local community, has been absolutely incredible. Gwen has been completely overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness.”

Gwen’s birthday celebrations also featured on ITV Calendar News. A television crew visited Toray Pines to meet Gwen and share the story of her 102nd birthday and the hundreds of cards she received.

Gwen with some of the more than 400 birthday cards sent by well-wishers from across the UK and around the world.

A life rooted in Lincolnshire

Born in Kirkby-on-Bain, Gwen moved to Hagworthingham when she was seven. She grew up working on her father’s farm, where prisoners of war worked alongside the family, helping to pick vegetables.

After marrying her husband, Eric, in 1948, Gwen moved to Woodhall Spa. She lived there for more than 75 years before moving to Toray Pines in March 2025.

Gwen worked as a housekeeper at The Dower House and at the Golf Hotel in Woodhall Spa. Later, she became a stay-at-home mum, raising her four children: Betty, John, David and Norman. Her family now includes nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Asked about her secret to reaching 102, Gwen said: “Working hard on the farm and good food – plus a cup of tea and chocolate”.

Chocolate is still a firm favourite. Gwen keeps some in the bag attached to her walker for what she calls “emergencies”. Her advice to her younger self is equally straightforward: “To have more patience.”

An afternoon tea wish

Gwen has something she would like to do in her 102nd year: return to The Dower House for a visit and afternoon tea, revisiting the place where she once worked.

Our team at Toray Pines hopes to help make that wish happen.

Thank you to everyone who sent a card or birthday message, and to the local children and community groups who helped Gwen celebrate.

Cards displayed at Toray Pines after the team’s appeal for 102 birthday cards received more than 400.

Choosing residential care for yourself or a loved one can bring questions about everyday life. Will the team understand your interests? Will you stay close to family, friends and your community? Gwen’s birthday shows how our Toray Pines team brought people together around a celebration that mattered to her. Our lifestyle team organised the card appeal and party, while fellow residents helped Gwen open her cards.

These actions show care, understanding and teamwork that goes on in our homes in practice. Gwen’s wish to revisit The Dower House also gives our team a personal goal to work towards. Familiar places, relationships and small pleasures are all important considerations when choosing a home. Arrange a visit to Toray Pines to meet our team and talk about your needs, routines and interests. Ask how we would help you or your loved one keep those connections.