Community helps self-isolating Bristol girl celebrate her 5th birthday

A little girl from Bristol was able to celebrate her 5th birthday thanks to the heartwarming efforts of her community, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

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Erin Botibol turned 5 years old on Saturday (21 March) and is self-isolating with her family because she has a cough.

After her mum, Kerryanne, was forced to cancel her daughter's birthday party, she took to social media to ask for the help of the local community.

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Kerryanne posted in the recently launched Facebook group, Bristol Community Care - Covid-19 Mutual Aid and appealed for people to send birthday cards to "put a smile" on Erin's face.

She said: "It's my daughter's birthday on Saturday 21st...she doesn't really understand why we are stuck at home, and she's devastated that she won't be having a party or seeing her friends.

"I just want her to feel special on her birthday. If anybody would like to send her a birthday card, that would be immense. It would really put a smile on her face and make it feel like a special day."

It's safe to say Kerryanne was overwhelmed by the response she had - from people in Bristol - and as far away as Scotland.

She posted a massive thank you to the people on social media who made Erin's birthday one to remember.