Blue light services help Leamington woman Betty celebrate her 100th birthday

Members of the county's fire prevention team called Betty Gutteridge who had recently had a 'safe and well' visit.

The idea behind the calls are to see how our more vulnerable residents are doing and to see if they need any help or support.

When on the call to one of the officers, Betty mentioned that she would appreciate a food parcel which crews have been delivering.

She also said that she had had to cancel the celebrations for her 100th birthday, which were due to take place yesterday (Monday April 20).

Desperate to help Betty, the team stepped into action and teamed up with Warwickshire Police to organise a birthday surprise for the elderly resident.

She had a singer visit her and a food parcel delivered from EdibleLinks.

The officers also organised for Betty's children, who live in Hong Kong, to contact her via a video conference link and to join in with the birthday singalong.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ben Brook said: “We know the lockdown has been difficult for many, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable and we know how hard it can be for those people who haven’t been able to see their loved ones or friends.

"But for Betty to turn 100 without being able to mark the occasion in some way, was not something we could let happen.

"So, what better way to mark Betty’s day, than to show some real community spirit with our blue light colleagues our partners and the local community, to give her the birthday celebration she deserved.

“It was a real honour to be able to meet Betty, she is a fantastic lady.

"From all of us here at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Warwickshire Police and the local community, we wish Betty a very happy 100th birthday and hope that in these difficult times that we have in some way brought a little joy to her day.”