ALL Amy Ellis wanted for her birthday was friends and family to give money to a children's hospice.
And with the 99-year-old famous for her "elephant-like memory", it is no wonder nobody forgot. More than £350 was raised at her birthday party at St Mary's Church, Illingworth, Halifax.
But Mrs Ellis, who has lived at Field View, Illingworth, for 65 years and still does her own cooking, is hoping to get even more for her 100th.
"It was a lovely day and I was so touched by how generous everybody was", she said. "I didn't want anything for myself but still got about 68 birthday cards.
"As for my 100th, I'm going to have a good big dance and hope to raise even more."
Mrs Ellis, who lost her husband George 32 years ago, says her secret is exercise and keeping busy.
"I was a member of a rambling club for 30 years and love dancing," she said. "It has definitely helped. I can remember poems I learned when I was 10. My daughter always tells me she hopes she has her mother's genes."
The money was given to Martin House Hospice. Mrs Ellis has helped raise thousands for it over the years.
The full article contains 216 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
