Inspirational 'Granny Rosie' turns 100

21 Jan 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Celebrating a 100^th birthday during a national lockdown isn’t what anyone plans for, but a Northumberland County Council Fostering Team manager is determined to give her Granny Rosie the birthday celebrations she deserves after a most difficult year.
 
Former care assistant, Granny Rosie turns 100 on January 21^st, 2021 and has been a ‘true inspiration’ said Christine, Fostering Team Manager for Northumberland County Council’s Foster Care Service “Growing up I would watch her and my mam care for others, and just knew I wanted to do the same.
 
She has always put others first and cared for others where she can, be it family, friends or through her work. She is a real inspiration and it is because of her I chose my career path and have also fostered to help others in any way I can.
 
It has been a really difficult time not being able to see her. She loves to get her nails and hair done, go shopping and travel. But we know we must do all we can to keep her safe and ourselves right now. So, we asked everyone near and far to send us birthday messages that we can share with her virtually on the day.” she said.
 
Over 3,000 birthday messages have come in for Rosie who lives in sheltered housing in Bedlington. A ‘social butterfly’ and heart and soul of any party, she has missed seeing her friends and family. “I was over the moon to get my first Covid-19 vaccination. I have really missed seeing friends in the communal room or having visits from my family. This is just one step closer in getting back to that. It has been really important for all of us here to follow the guidance as we all want to stay safe and get back to what we know and get out again” said Rosie.  
 
Rosie is very family oriented having four children, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, and has helped in the local community over the years. “It is her ethos in life that I have helped to embed in the fostering service; developing support for children and families and encouraging foster families to get to know each other and get the children to know each other. Now more than ever we have learnt the importance of connecting with people and I hope we can continue that within our service for years to come” said Christine.
 
Rosie’s son and daughter-in-law who have been her support bubble since March will drive her around the homes of friends and family so they can shout their birthday wishes from their doorsteps – and in true Rosie fashion, liking to dress up in fancy dress at any opportunity she will be donning a tiara, sash and fake fur coat so she can simply be a Queen for the day.
 
Councillor Veronica Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Wellbeing said: “It is lovely to see a family pull together to celebrate this inspirational lady’s birthday. It has been particularly hard on our elderly, those in care homes and sheltered housing over the past year, and this will go a long way in lifting those spirits of not only Rosie but of her friends, family and her neighbours.
Many families have thought of alternative ways to celebrate loved one’s birthdays, and whilst we continue to experience the effects of the pandemic it shows how resilient we are, and what can be achieved when we pull together.
 
I wish Rosie, and anyone else celebrating a birthday right now a very happy birthday.”
 
If you have been inspired by Rosie or Christine and want to find out more about fostering head here.