A PLEA for people to send cards to a Bradford woman to mark her 106th birthday has been launched.

Doreen Maden, a resident at The Crossley House Bupa Care Home in Bradford, will celebrate her birthday on September 4.

Hoping to start her 106th year on a cheerful note, the cards received will be opened by Doreen on her birthday to help kickstart her celebrations.

Doreen has a love for Blackpool, so the staff at Crossley House will be bringing the seaside town to Doreen to help make her birthday one to remember.

The team will even be building a pop-up beach at the home, complete with paddling pools, chips in cones, candy floss, and even a Shetland pony.

Doreen moved to Bradford from London in 1935 and has since been a prominent member of the local community.

Even at the age of 94, she attended local school, Crossley Hall to talk to pupils about her experience of the Second World War and received several letters of appreciation from the children afterwards.

Lorraine Randles, home manager at Crossley House Bupa Care Home, said: “The tradition of sending and receiving birthday cards is one that our residents have always enjoyed.

“It is the best way to mark a milestone, and it’s a very special feeling to open a card on your birthday knowing that people care about you and want to wish you well.

“Every birthday is a cause for celebration, but it’s not every day you turn 106, so we wanted to do something really special with the help and support of the local community.

“Doreen has always been a keen and enthusiastic member of the community and it would mean a great deal to her to receive a show of support to start her 106th year.”

Anyone wishing to send Doreen a birthday card can post one to: Crossley House Bupa Care Home, 885 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD8 0HH.