A BRITISH widow with no family who received 16,000 cards from strangers for her 100th birthday has died.
WINNIE Blagden, who lived alone and had no children, received birthday wishes from across the world in May after a Facebook appeal by BBC Radio Sheffield went viral.
Mrs Blagden died at her home in Sheffield on Sunday night, a spokeswoman for the BBC said.
The radio station launched the appeal after being informed by a care worker that Mrs Blagden had no surviving family to help her celebrate the landmark birthday.
The Facebook post was seen by six million people, with presents and 16,000 cards sent to the radio station.
Prime Minister David Cameron and actor Dustin Hoffman were among those who sent cards, while gifts included 100 pink roses, a stay in a hotel, a locket, fish and chips, pizza, personalised perfume and even a trip out in a limousine.
Thousands of people from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Romania and Japan responded to the appeal online.
Blagden, whose husband George died 30 years ago, was taken to Sheffield Town Hall to celebrate her birthday.
"Winnie's story touched the hearts of people around the world and the response to our appeal was extraordinary and moving," BBC Radio Sheffield managing editor Martyn Weston said on Monday.
"Winnie was a little overwhelmed by what happened - as we all were. But she thoroughly deserved and enjoyed the attention.
"She was a lovely woman and it is wonderful to think our listeners, and kind-hearted people from around the world, came together to make her last birthday so special."
Earlier this year, Mrs Blagden urged people not to be sad when she died.
She told BBC Radio Sheffield: "When I die I don't want anyone to be sad. I want them to remember the good times we had."
