A Ballybofey grandmother in isolation was in good company on her 70th birthday thanks to a heartwarming video.
Josephine Chambers couldn’t believe her eyes when she sat down to watch a movie on her birthday this week. What appeared on the TV instead was a 30 minute video of happy birthday messages from over 100 friends and famous faces.
Josephine was moved to tears by the special surprise in this emotional week.
The popular lady couldn’t have a big birthday bash due to the coronavirus, but that didn’t stop her daughter Elaine rounding up all her contacts to produce her own edition of ‘This is Your Life’ and bring the celebrations to Josephine instead.
Family, friends, musicians and sportstars answered the call. The video features music stars Trevor Loughrey, Eamon Jackson, Jordan O Keefe, Michael Maloney, Amy Meehan, etc, Pat Maguire playing happy birthday on the bagpipes, boxer Jason Quigley, Conal Gallen, Declan Bonner, Gabrielle McMonagle, Fr Ray Kelly (the singing priest), Michael Murphy, Councillor Patrick McGowan, Thomas Pringle TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher to name a few.
“I expected about 15 responses but was totally shocked to receive 103 videos and 5 voice recordings,” Elaine said.
“I sent all the videos to my daughter Michaela who put the video clips together.
“Mum arrived for a birthday dinner, afterwards she thought we were going to watch a movie. My daughter told her it was a new release lol, Michaela aired the videos to the TV.
“Mum was in shock, she got very emotional and was crying. Myself, Michaela were crying with her and at her.”
Elaine continued: “I want to thank each and everyone who got involved sending videos, voice recording and ordinary messages.
“It’s amazing that we are sticking to the guidelines of isolating but how so many people came together to celebrate my wonderful Mum, without actually coming together physically. Corona wasn’t going stop me!”
Elaine also filmed Josephine’s reaction to the clips and added this to the finished birthday video
Josephine said: “Thanks from the bottom of my heart to everybody for their love, for their care, for everything. I love them all.”
