Hundreds of cards for birthday girl Sophie thanks to social media campaign

Heartfelt thanks have been expressed by a mum whose internet appeal for birthday cards for her daughter’s 21st saw hundreds drop through the letterbox.

Liz Bull made the plea on social media so that her daughter Sophie, who was diagnosed with the chronic illness ME aged 13, could celebrate the landmark birthday in an extra special way.

In her message, Liz said: “Unlike other young adults her age she never had/went to parties, she missed out on her schooling, never took exams let alone ever went to a prom.

“She never had the chance to make proper friends or friendship groups, basically she never had the chance to be a teenager.

“That’s why her turning 21 has become such an important milestone to not only herself, but us as well. It’s an achievement.”

She appealed to people to send cards to Sophie to help make her big day special.

Sophie was shocked on Wednesday last week, when she awoke to discover she had received more than 300 cards.

Sophie, who lives in a supported living unit in Bristol but celebrated her birthday at home in Cox Green, said: “It means the world to me. It’s restored my faith in humanity.”

The mother and daughter would like to thank the people of Maidenhead for their kindness and generosity.

Liz said: “I kept it a complete surprise from Sophie, I showed her the post but she had no idea how many people had got in touch. It’s something that has brought the community of Maidenhead together and it’s just magic.

“It’s about kindness, people have taken their time to send cards, personalise them and some people have left their numbers in the card for Sophie to talk to.

“I hope Sophie takes all the cards back and it gives her something to hold on to.”