A very special Southport Mum woke up to her 67th birthday today with dozens of cards from well-wishers – and a huge birthday banner facing her from across the road!
Pauline Ball shared her big day with Colonel Tom Moore. But while the Army veteran enjoyed a Spitfire flypast, lots of people in Southport came together to make sure that Pauline’s big day was also one to remember.
She suffers with dementia and resides in Dale Park care home on Meols Cop Road. She was sadly unable to celebrate her birthday with members of her family due to the strict coronavirus restrictions in place. So her daughter, Kate Ball, and others stepped in to help.
Pupils at Meols Cop High School, which faces Dale Park, created a huge birthday banner for Pauline to wake up to!
Pauline Ball has enjoyed a very special 67th birthday despite the coronavirus lockdown with help from Meols Cop High School pupils and Stand Up For Southport readers
And dozens of people of all ages responded to an appeal on Stand Up For Southport to send her birthday cards, pictures, and other messages.
He daughter, Kate Ball, said: “Mum seemed to be happy, we could see her through the window.
“I am so grateful for everything the home has done for us by making it possible to deliver cards.
“Greg, who is one of the main nurses at Dale Park, came in especially to decorate her room – he was supposed to be off today.
“We had a good few cards sent through, lots of them from people who had lost contact with Mum over the years.
“I am sure there’ll still be some cards that will be coming in tomorrow and Saturday.”
Pauline Ball has enjoyed a very special 67th birthday despite the coronavirus lockdown with help from Meols Cop High School pupils and Stand Up For Southport readers
And Kate was delighted to see the banner created by the children at Meols Cop High School.
She said: “I think it’s wonderful, what a lovely thing to do!
“I am sure all the children had fun creating it. It was a nice surprise to see it!”
Meols Cop High School headteacher Mr Parry said: “Our students were so excited to do something special when they heard about Pauline.
“We are proud to be part of this amazing community in which we all support each other when we most need to but we also celebrate with each other which is equally important.”
Many in the local community will know Pauline Ball for her role working as a Family Liaison Officer
At Peterhouse School in Southport.
Particularly grateful for the wonderful kindness shown today is Pauline’s husband, Les, who turned 69 last Monday.
The couple have been married for nearly half a century.
Kate said: “Mum and Dad met when they were young on Bank Hall Railway Station in Liverpool, going to Everton. They have been married for 46 years. Mum worked at Peterhouse School in Southport as a Family Liaison Officer. She loved working with kids with disabilities.
Pauline Ball has enjoyed a very special 67th birthday despite the coronavirus lockdown with help from Meols Cop High School pupils and Stand Up For Southport readers
“Mum was diagnosed with dementia at 63, very young. My Dad cared for her until he no longer could.
“She moved into Dale Park care home, opposite Meols Cop High School in Southport, three years ago.
“When she first moved in she would walk for hours and hours. They even had to feed her while she walked round!
“But as the years have gone by she has dwindled, no longer wanting to walk. She is happy to just sit and have someone hold her hand.
Pauline Ball has enjoyed a very special 67th birthday despite the coronavirus lockdown with help from Meols Cop High School pupils and Stand Up For Southport readers
“She can’t respond how she used to, but we as a family get some smiles out of her.
“The staff at Dale Park have been amazing in everything they do to care for Mum, and have been in touch regularly to let us know what’s going on at their home.
“I have set up a JustGiving page too for her birthday, just to give back to Dementia UK, who have been there for me when I needed them most. If you could donate even just £1 I would be very thankful!”
Please donate to Dementia UK at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mumis67
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