Northumberland woman celebrates her 100th birthday - and receives over 3,000 congratulatory messages

Rosie Cochrane was the inspiration which spurred her grand-daughter on to becoming fostering team manager at Northumberland County Council.

Despite lockdown, Christine Logan was determined to give her granny the birthday celebrations she deserves after a most difficult year.

“Growing up I would watch her and my mam care for others, and just knew I wanted to do the same,” she explained.

“She has always put others first and cared for others where she can, be it family, friends or through her work. She is a real inspiration and it is because of her I chose my career path and have also fostered to help others in any way I can.

“It has been a really difficult time not being able to see her. She loves to get her nails and hair done, go shopping and travel. But we know we must do all we can to keep her safe and ourselves right now. So, we asked everyone near and far to send us birthday messages that we can share with her virtually on the day.”

Rosie, who lives in sheltered housing in Bedlington, celebrated her birthday on Thursday, January 21.

“I was over the moon to get my first Covid-19 vaccination,” she said. “I have really missed seeing friends in the communal room or having visits from my family.

"This is just one step closer in getting back to that. It has been really important for all of us here to follow the guidance as we all want to stay safe and get back to what we know and get out again.”

Rosie has four children, nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, and has helped in the local community over the years.

“It is her ethos in life that I have helped to embed in the fostering service; developing support for children and families and encouraging foster families to get to know each other and get the children to know each other,” said Christine.

“Now more than ever we have learnt the importance of connecting with people and I hope we can continue that within our service for years to come.”

Find out more about fostering at https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Children/Looked-after/Fostering.aspx#howtobecomeafostercarer

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.