A FORMER nurse celebrated her 101st birthday yesterday by asking friends and family to support one of her favourite charities rather than send presents.

A FORMER nurse celebrated her 101st birthday yesterday by asking friends and family to support one of her favourite charities rather than send presents.

Florence Fitzgerald, of Reydon, near Southwold, spent most of her working life as a nurse in the north Suffolk area. For many years she worked at the former Blythburgh Hospital, near Halesworth, and had been looking forward to spending more there as she grew older.

"I kept joking with everyone when I was working there that they should save a bed for me when I got older. Unfortunately the hospital closed down before I could move in," she said.

The former hospital was closed several years ago when other hospitals in the area, including Aldeburgh, were extended and more bed space created.

"It is nice to see such a beautiful building in what is a wonderful setting still being used," said Mrs Fitzgerald who prefers to be known as Flo.

She has lived in Reydon for nearly 30 years and before that lived across Mights Bridge in nearby Southwold.

"I am very lucky because I have so many wonderful friends in the Southwold area," said Mrs Fitzgerald.

She spent her big day quietly looking at all the cards and well wishes she had received but a few days earlier had celebrated her remarkable achievement with her family and friends.

"I have asked everyone not to buy me any presents but to contribute to the Horse Rescue Fund at Southwold. My friends and family have been wonderfully supportive and I hope to present the charity with about £100," she said.

Mrs Fitzgerald remains extremely active and enjoys visiting her friends and her two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

"I feel I am so fortunate to have so many nice people around me," said Mrs Fitzgerald.