Kind-hearted students from two schools based in Norfolk and Suffolk have made cards for a Lowestoft resident called Nelly who is turning 100 on Monday 2 February 2026.
Nelly’s story was recently featured in a local newspaper where bosses from her care home (Lound Hall) reached out to the community to see if they would send birthday messages to one of their favourite residents who reaches her centenary year on 2 Feb 2026.
The schools – Sunrise Academy in Suffolk and Duke of Lancaster in Norfolk – were touched by the report and two groups of youngsters immediately set to work.
They made over 30 cards in total and a small group from Sunrise Academy personally delivered the notes on Thursday 29 January 2026.
Elizabeth Barneveld is the Head of School at Duke of Lancaster. She said: “Our students really enjoyed writing messages and making cards for Nelly. She seems an amazing lady and it was an honour for us to be able to send her some love ahead of her very special day.”
Patrick Hamilton is the Head of School at Sunrise Academy. He said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Nelly and wonderful that our students were so keen to reach out to her.
“As well as making the cards, they got to learn about the importance of community – as well as finding out about history as we talked about all the events that have happened during the last 100 years.”
Sullivan, a year seven student at Duke of Lancaster said: Sullivan from year 7: “I enjoyed making the cards and I hope Nelly has a very happy birthday.”
Justine Stebbings is an Activities Coordinator at Lound Hall Care Home. Justine said: “Nelly was over the moon. It was just beautiful. The time, energy and thought that went into their cards was just lovely.”
