Former nurse, 100, 'inundated' with birthday cards
BBCA former midwife has received hundreds of cards from around the world in celebration of her 100th birthday.
Bertha Preston spent time working in New Zealand, Australia and Kenya, before settling down in a nursing career at Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, Somerset.
With no surviving family or close friends nearby, staff at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Paulton issued a "heartfelt request" to the public to send in their warm wishes.
Key worker Jane Rogers described Ms Preston as a "very strong lady", who "chose her career over marriage" and showed an unwavering dedication to her profession.
Ms Preston said "her spirit remains strong and her presence continues to inspire those around her".
"She's been a huge part of my life," said Ms Rogers, who has cared for Ms Preston since 2009.
"All of the residents here are very special to everyone who works here, but she's a darling lady.
"Because of her vulnerability and the fact she has no known family, we've all become her family, and that's how we like it."
'Credit to your profession'
Ms Preston's "quiet strength and compassion" was born out of becoming an orphan at the age of eight, after losing her mother to tuberculosis.
Her nursing journey took her around the world, most notably to Africa, where she treated patients for trachoma and helped deliver hundreds of babies.
One woman wrote to Ms Preston from Kenya to ask if she had worked at the hospital during her birth in the early 1960s.
"I was delighted to read of your enthusiasm for the country, and of your hard work and devotion over many years as a nurse," Sarah wrote.
"You are clearly a credit to your profession."
'Overwhelming'
Activities assistant Christina Coles said the home had been "inundated" with letters since posting the appeal online, including a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
"The amount that's come through the post has been amazing," she said. "We've had such a good response, it's really been overwhelming.
"It's lovely that people have made so much effort in the community to come forward for a lady who has worked so hard.
"100 years is an amazing achievement for anyone. Bertha has got an incredible story and it's nice to share that with people," she added.
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