Birthday surprise

TORQUAY’S community bonded together to help a local celebrate her birthday while in isolation.

Diana Guthrie’s 89th birthday would have passed like any other day in isolation had her daughter Ash Leigh not posted on Facebook asking for people to help make the day special.

Detective Senior Constable Kylie Roberts was one of those to respond to the post.

“I saw online that a girl called Ash was requesting assistance to supply something to her nan for her birthday because they weren’t able to visit her during COVID restrictions,” she said.

“From there I just felt we could do something as Torquay Police to make her day. So, I went over to Peachs and purchased a bunch of flowers, then got the uniform boys to go over and deliver it to her as a little surprise for her.

“It was just a nice opportunity for the community to get together and show that we’re in this together and that even if you’re apart from your family members you’ve got people looking after you nearby.”

Ginni Bilston was another local who decided to help make it a memorable day for Ms Guthrie.

She said it was not until she delivered some gifts, she realised she knew Ms Guthrie.

“We thought it would be nice to spoil her. So, I picked up some cakes and dropped them around,” she said.

“It was quite funny because when I first moved to Torquay about 12 or 13 years ago, I actually rented a place next door to Diana where she used to live. I only realised when I saw her, so, it was lovely to see her again.”

Emma Jackman also saw Ms Leigh’s post and decided to contribute.

Ms Jackman did not know Ms Guthrie previously, but said her situation resonated with her.

“My mum lives by herself in Torquay as well and I just thought if we weren’t around during this lockdown period it would be really sad.

“I just went and got some chocolates, some flowers and a magazine and dropped them off. We’ve been in isolation so long and I thought she deserves something, and I obviously wasn’t alone in that thought because a lot of people rallied round.

“I didn’t even mean to see her, I just went to put the stuff at her front door and leave, but she came to the door, so we had a very quick chat. I think she was a bit overwhelmed, but she was very gracious, and it was an absolute pleasure to do it for her.”