A Lincoln care home is calling on local poets, writing groups, and residents across Lincolnshire to help celebrate an extraordinary milestone as resident Poppy Beerling prepares to turn 100 years old.
Poppy, a resident at Lincoln Manor Care Home, will celebrate her centenary birthday on Monday, June 22, with a special party at the home on Sunday, June 21, surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents, and the care team. Known for her lifelong love of poetry, Poppy has spent many years finding joy, comfort, and inspiration in the written word. To honour this passion, Lincoln Manor has launched a community initiative encouraging poets and poetry groups to write and send poems dedicated to Poppy in celebration of her landmark birthday.
The home hopes to collect 100 poems from across the county, creating a unique collection of birthday wishes that reflects both Poppy's love of poetry and her remarkable life of kindness and service.
Poppy's story is one of compassion and generosity. Alongside her late husband, Donald Beerling MBE, she dedicated much of her life to supporting disadvantaged families and charitable causes. What began with Poppy quietly setting aside money from her weekly housekeeping budget to help families in need grew into a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Together, Poppy and Donald established the Cantiacorum Foundation, a charity that continues to support individuals, communities, and charitable organisations across Kent. Over the years, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds in grants to good causes, helping countless people in need.
Poppy's dedication to helping others has been recognised nationally. She was presented with an Empire Brooch at St Paul's Cathedral in recognition of her charitable work, while Donald received an MBE and Empire Brooch for his own outstanding contribution to charity and community life. Today, as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday, Poppy remains passionate about the causes she has supported throughout her life and continues to inspire those around her with her warmth, generosity, and love of poetry.
Lisa Sayles, regional manager at St Mary’s Care Group, said: "Reaching 100 years old is an incredible achievement, but what makes Poppy's story so special is the impact she has had on so many people's lives. From helping disadvantaged families to establishing a charity that continues to make a difference today, Poppy has dedicated her life to supporting others. We wanted to celebrate her birthday in a way that truly reflects who she is, and poetry felt like the perfect tribute. We would love to hear from local poets, schools, writing groups, and members of the community who would like to send a poem or birthday message to help make this milestone even more special."
The poems will be presented to Poppy during her birthday celebrations, creating a treasured keepsake that captures the affection and admiration of the community she now calls home. Lincoln Manor is encouraging local poetry groups, schools, community organisations, and aspiring writers to get involved and help make Poppy's 100th birthday a truly memorable occasion. Email poems or birthday messages to marketing@stmarysgroup.co.uk before Monday, June 22.
