Norma kicks off 98th birthday celebrations with a little help from Essendon Bombers

An Essendon aged care team has surprised their newest resident with a birthday gift the AFL fan won’t soon forget.

The Bolton Clarke Trevi Court team wanted to make Norma feel right at home during a week that saw her welcomed to the home and celebrating her 98^th birthday.

Realising her love of football – and Essendon in particular – they worked with the club to arrange a handwritten card from Bombers players.

“We realised quite quickly that Norma was a huge Essendon fan and her favourite player is James Hird, so we thought this would be the best way to make her birthday special,” Trevi Court Lifestyle Coordinator Eric said.

“The moment she opened the card, her face absolutely lit up and we could all see how much joy reading the card brough her.

“It was a special moment for us to all experience with her and her family – a huge thank you to Essendon Football Club for making Norma’s day so special.”

The almost centenarian was joined by her family and newly acquainted friends at the home, making for a birthday she won’t forget as she gets ready to watch the AFL season kick off this week.