Midlands care home appeals for 107 birthday cards to celebrate resident’s remarkable life
HC-One’s The Orchards Care Home in Shard End, Birmingham, is calling on the local community – and beyond – to help make a very special birthday unforgettable for one of its residents. Evelyn Joan Whitla, who turns 107 on August 12, 2025, is hoping to receive 107 birthday cards to mark this incredible milestone.
Born in 1918 in Hockley Heath, Evelyn has lived a long and vibrant life, filled with love, family, and dedication. She was one of eight siblings – Arthur, Bob, Ron, Ada, Peggy, Connie, and Brenda – and was happily married to her beloved husband, Fawcett, for over 60 years. Together they raised their daughter Elizabeth, and Evelyn is now the proud grandmother of Helen, Wendy, and Susan, and great-grandmother to Jacob and Sebastian.
Evelyn spent her early years working in a factory called Turner Brothers down Snowhill filing parts for aeroplanes and then went into silver service and has long enjoyed sewing, gardening, and especially knitting. In May 2023, she moved into The Orchards Care Home, where she quickly became a cherished member of the community.
To honour Evelyn’s 107th birthday, the team at The Orchards is asking members of the public to send birthday cards to Evelyn filled with heartfelt messages, light-hearted jokes, or simply warm wishes to celebrate her exceptional life.
Simon Barnett, Senior Home Manager at HC-One’s The Orchards Care Home said: “From everyone here at The Orchards, we would like to wish Evelyn a fantastic 107th birthday.
“To mark this amazing milestone, we’re rallying the community to help us reach our goal of 107 birthday cards – one for each wonderful year of Evelyn’s life. Whether handmade or store-bought, every message will bring a smile to her face and show her just how loved she is.”
When asked the secret to her long life, resident at HC-One’s The Orchards Care Home Evelyn Joan Whitla shared: “My secret to living a long life is mostly just luck! However, I do try to eat healthy.”
Birthday cards for Evelyn can be sent to: F.A.O. Evelyn Joan Whitla, The Orchards Care Home, 164 Shard End Crescent, Shard End, Birmingham, B34 7BP.