This 99-year-old widow was going to spend her birthday alone - until an appeal went viral

An appeal to make sure a widow who has no family has 100 cards to open on her 100th birthday has gone viral.

Winnie Blagden lives alone and has no children, so BBC Radio Sheffield asked its Facebook followers to send cards. The appeal was seen by 2.5 million users and thousands have responded. Pledges include 100 pink roses, a stay in a hotel, a locket, fish and chips, and even a trip in a limousine. People from the US, Romania and Japan have responded.

The appeal was to be kept a surprise, but Serenta HomeCare, which helps Ms Blagden to live independently in Sheffield, has decided she should be told of the amazing response.

More: The woman taking on George Galloway is going viral, for good reason