A Coventry woman has been inundated with books from around the world on her 100th birthday

A Coventry woman has been inundated with books from around the world after her grandson put out an online appeal to get as many as possible for his 100th birthday. Greg Ward said that when he delivered the books, Elsie was “shocked” and “overwhelmed”.

“She’s received over 170 cards and there’s more to come, so we might even get over 200. They’ve come from Washington DC, Canada and Australia, so that’s been nice,” he said. He told BBC CWR that the response to his appeal on Facebook groups was “fantastic and quite overwhelming”.

Elsie said it was a ‘very nice surprise’ and added: ‘I don’t know what to say.

Read more: Grandson’s heartwarming plea for Coventry woman to mark 100 years

“I think it’s just brilliant. It’s such a joy, isn’t it, when you get them. There’s been some lovely messages.”

Elsie has lived in Coventry in the Tile Hill area since the Second World War when she moved from Doncaster. For her special occasion, Greg said neighbors got involved and made a “big cake” and put up favors and balloons outside their homes.

A neighbor, Helen McCleave, described Elsie as a “lovely, lovely lady” and “a queen” who always brought round cards and drinks. She told BBC CWR that Elsie was “amazing for 100” and did all her chores around the house such as gardening.

Greg added that Elsie was left “over the moon” because of the number of cards sent. Today she will celebrate her 100th birthday at Coombe Abbey for afternoon tea with her children.

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