A Measham mum has thanked the community for rallying round to celebrate her daughter's special lockdown birthday in style.

Saskia Corsie turned 13 on Wednesday - but with less than 48 hours to go before the big day mum Joanna realised she had completely forgotten about a birthday cake.

"I'm usually very organised and have everything planned well in advance," Joanna told Ashby Nub News.

"But I am currently undergoing daily radiotherapy for breast cancer in Derby while, at the same time, working as a psychotherapist running my business Freedom To Be You Counselling and Psychotherapy via video calls due to the lockdown.

"I had got Saskia presents, but she always has a birthday cake and I was in a bit of a panic when I realised that it was looking likely she wouldn't have one this year when she became a teenager.

"I am not a baker and I don't have the time or energy to make one myself.

"So I put a post on the Measham Community Group Facebook page asking if anyone local would be able to make a cake at such short notice and even specified Sassy's favourite - a rainbow layer cake.

"I didn't know what sort of response I'd get, but just kept my fingers crossed and hoped."

advertisement

Within hours Joanna had both a birthday cake and balloon booked to go with the homemade card created by dad Dave.

"Caroline Menham, of Sweet Caroline, delivered the perfect rainbow cake for Saskia today while Chelsie Taylor, has The Balloon Boutique in Birmingham but lives in Measham, dropped off a beautiful balloon yesterday."

But the show of community spirit did not end there.

Villager Karen Norwood stepped in to offer to paint a decorative stone for Saskia. Karen creates the works of art for residents celebrating a special birthday free of charge and has been leaving them on the lucky recipients' doorsteps on her daily exercise during lockdown.

"Sassy's birthday wasn't how it was supposed to be - we had planned to take her and three friends out somewhere nice - but thanks to the community she still had a special and enjoyable day.

"She had no idea about the surprises and is delighted.

"I'm very grateful for all the last minute support.

"Even a neighbour, who I don't see one year to the next, sent me a private message to say although she wasn't a professional baker she would be happy to bake a cake if I was stuck.

advertisement

"People can be incredibly kind."