A GIRL from Malvern who made the headlines this year for making charity ribbons for NHS workers has had a lovely birthday surprise with cards from all over the country.

Maisie Gibson, who celebrated her eighth birthday on November 19, was in the news earlier this year when she raised more than £4,000 selling rainbow ribbons for NHS workers during lockdown.

Her mum Charlotte decided to do something special this year as, due to lockdown, Maisie couldn’t see her friends and family, so she asked for wellwishers to send birthday cards in, and the response was overwhelming.

She said: “We are up to 50-plus cards, four Amazon Parcels and a good few presents. What a lucky girl. We are going to collect some from the hospital tomorrow.

“It's brilliant, has brought lots of fun and excitement to the week for Maisie, bless her, and we have had some lovely messages from friends wanting to wish her a Happy Birthday especially after her rainbow efforts.

“I do wonder what the postman is thinking.”

READ MORE: How we covered Maisie's fundraising campaign during the first lockdown

Earlier this year, Maisie’s fundraising efforts made the headlines after she sold the ribbons, raising thousands to support the NHS.

She originally set out to raise £50 for the NHS having been inspired by Colonel Tom Moore and her grandmother Heather, who works at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Selling dozens of the ribbons, she raised more than £4,000 for the NHS Charity, with people from all across Worcestershire placing their orders for ribbons.

At the time, Mrs Gibson said: “We are so proud of her as she has now sent out more than 1,200 badges.

“After seeing the inspirational Captain Tom on the TV, Maisie asked me what we could do to raise some money for the NHS, especially as her grandmother (my mother) who is a frontline nurse, was taken ill with a nasty bout of Covid.

“We found a small amount of rainbow ribbon and a few pins at home and she made some badges.

“She started off with just 60 badges and asked me to post social media with a little video a and set herself a target of £50. Since then it has gone crazy for Maisie's Mission.”