Frances Reid turns 108 with a gift from the Tigers

A TORQUAY centenarian marked her 108th birthday on Monday with a personalised gift from her favourite AFL team.

Japara Eloura Aged Care Home resident Frances Reid celebrated her special day with family and friends, and was presented with two birthday cakes.

She appeared to be taken by surprise by the celebrations.

“I had to come out of my room, and I walked into this!” she said.

Born on January 21, 1911, Ms Reid is a lifelong Richmond fan, dressing up and cheering her team when they won the 2017 flag – the 11th the Tigers have won, and all within her lifetime.

Former Tigers player Chris Naish was on hand on Monday to present her with a personalised Richmond jumper signed by all the club’s players that featured her name and the number 108.

Mr Naish (the father of 2017 Tigers draftee Patrick) said Richmond’s players were presently on a training camp on the Gold Coast, but he was happy to step in when the club asked for his help.

“You don’t get the chance to write ‘happy 108th birthday’ very often.”

Ms Reid – who is likely the oldest person in the Surf Coast Shire if not the wider Geelong region – has four children, nine grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.