Sir Alex Ferguson might well be in the throes of the tightest premiership battle this year, with just two points between Manchester United and Chelsea, but he still found the time to pen a few words to avid life-long Manchester United fan Florence Evans who turned 100 on Tuesday, 16th March. Sir Alex wrote a letter of congratulations to resident Florence upon hearing of her life-long support from Abbeyfield (a nationwide charity providing housing, support and care for older people), a care home where she has been resident for over 20 years.
Abbeyfield also arranged a day of celebrations for the plucky pensioner, which kicked off with a cooked breakfast and was followed by an afternoon buffet with entertainment provided by James Fitzgerald, a member of Florence’s favourite trio, The Three Tenors, and a special visit from the Lord Mayor of Blackburn and Darwen. Florence also received a bouquet of flowers and a telegram from Abbeyfield’s patron Baroness Neuberger and of course a telegram from the Queen.
Florence, who has always lived in the Lancashire area, has been a massive football fan ever since she attended a live game with her husband, a former policeman, nearly seventy years ago. Margaret Kitchen, live-in House Manager, said: “She’s a real character - Flo’s football mad and was over the moon when she received the letter from Sir Alex.”
Florence now faces a bit of a dilemna as she doesn't know which telegram will take pride of place on her mantle!