It’s not every day that you get to celebrate 100 years of life. Champion fundraiser for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Foundation Elvie celebrated her extra special day surrounded by her brood of children, grand-children and great-grand-children, some travelling overseas from England and Vietnam to be with her.

Instead of accepting presents for this incredible milestone birthday, Elvie selflessly asked for donations to the RCH Foundation.

“Mum has been a hard worker all her life, she is a spritely 100 year old and is coping incredibly well. It is comforting to know that Mum’s donation will help sick children, especially since she has seven great-grand-children of her own,” said Elvie’s daughter Carolyn.

For Elvie, the RCH holds a special but sad place in her heart. In 1949, Elvie gave birth to a baby boy who was transferred to the RCH with health complications. Doctors and nurses did everything they could to help him but he left this world too soon at four days old. In honour of the continued compassion and dedication of RCH staff, Elvie raised an incredible $3,600 for the hospital, overtaking her previous $1,000 donation for her 95th birthday.

“I have enough possessions, so I wanted to do something special for a cause that is special to me,” said Elvie.

And the secret to 100 healthy years? “I can’t pinpoint one thing, but a combination of good genes, working hard and looking after myself has got me this far!”

Congratulations and happy 100th birthday Elvie, and thank you for making us part of your special day!