VOLUNTEER Marie Toombs was treated to a surprise 90th birthday party at The Gables Care Home in Middlesbrough.
Marie has been visiting the care home every week for the past 10 years to lend a hand and spend time with the residents.
Marie, who travels to The Gables from her home in Ormesby, had an aunt at the care home who she used to visit regularly.
After her aunt passed away a decade ago, she wanted to continue visiting and started volunteering three days a week.
She will turn 90 on Sunday, 15th May, so staff and residents wanted to show their appreciation and throw a party.
They decorated the home with balloons and bunting and presented Marie with flowers and gifts.
She said: “I was truly overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of staff and residents, who I consider my family, which is why I volunteer my time at The Gables.
“I love the care home and the compassion and work we do with our residents. My late aunt received such great care at The Gables and I wanted to be involved in supporting the home moving forward.”
Chris Churchill, manager of The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, said: “Marie has been selflessly giving her time to the care home for over a decade so the party was the least we could do to show our appreciation for her dedication and commitment.
“Everyone at the care home – staff, residents and relatives – are so grateful to Marie and it is testament to her spirit and generosity that she continues to visit even as she’s turning 90. We can’t thank her enough.”
Marie was born in Scarborough 15th May 1926 as one of six siblings.
Shortly after WW2, she emigrated to Canada with her husband in 1952 and a few years later moved to the USA, where they both worked looking after delinquent boys.
Marie’s husband passed away after they both retired to Florida so she decided to return to England in 1994 to be closer to her family.