A MUCH loved care home resident had her birthday wish to receive 105 cards fulfilled - by some distance.
Joan Cool, who turned 105 years young yesterday, received a whopping 160 birthday cards for her big day.
Staff at Fairfield House Care Home in Lyme sent out a plea through the Bridport and Lyme Regis News and via social media to help make Mrs Cool's 105th birthday extra special with 105 cards.
Surpassing the 105 cards target so easily put a big smile on Mrs Cool's face - last year on her 104th birthday, she just missed out on the 104 cards target.
READ: Care home resident celebrates 104th birthday
This year cards arrived from all across the UK with some even plopping on the doormat of Fairfield House from the USA and Europe.
Even King Charles III wanted to get in on the action, with a card from Buckingham Palace being one of the first former nurse Mrs Cool opened.
The Palace traditionally sends cards to people who reach their 100th birthday - and then again for a milestone 105th birthday.
He said: "The staff at the home have been really good in making the day so special and arranging for all the cards to be sent to her.
"It's been fantastic. Mum said: 'This is unbelievable.' She was a bit confused when we were reading out some of the cards to her - she said 'I don't know them' but of course some of the people who sent them were strangers.
"Mum loves using the internet so because of that she was able to get a lot of cards from people she knows online."
The Bridport and Lyme Regis News published an article online and in its paper edition last week asking people to send cards to Joan.
And readers certainly came through for Mrs Cool, who also enjoyed a slice of birthday cake with family and friends on the day.
Born in Yorkshire, Mrs Cool moved to Lyme in 1993 with her husband John.
Following her service as a nurse in the Second World War Mrs Cool marched past the King in the first Battle of Britain Parade.
READ: 105th birthday plea for 105 cards
She is now on bed rest in her advanced years and efforts to organise the 105 birthday cards treat were led by Fairfield receptionist and admin worker April Robinson.
She told the News "Unfortunately Joan is now on bed rest and stuck in bed so we want to make this birthday as memorable as possible for her.
"Joan is an amazing lady who has worked extremely hard all of her life. She's a real technical whiz and she loves Facebook.
"Joan really is a very special individual who's so witty and has such a sense of humour."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here