Death of Sheffield centenarian the world celebrated

Winnie Blagden, who turned 100 in May, was sent cards from around the world when an appeal by BBC Radio Sheffield went viral on the internet.

The pensioner lived alone, had no family and few remaining friends, so staff at Serenta HomeCare, who helped Winnie live independently, asked if she could have a radio statio tour as a treat.

An appeal on the radio station’s Facebook page asking for cards for the OAP was seen around the world and cards and gifts started flooding in.

She received so many they were put on display in the city’s Winter Garden.

Actor Dustin Hoffman and Prime Minister David Cameron were among those who sent their best wishes to the centenarian.

Winnie, who was born on Dalton Street, Heeley, in 1915, passed away last night.