Lutterworth pensioner asks people to donate money to the homeless rather than giving her presents on her 100th birthday

Selfless Betty Bode will smash through the century barrier on Monday February 10.

And she’s marking hitting the ton by raking in several hundred pounds for The Y, the county’s leading youth homelessness charity.

Betty told the Harborough Mail: “I’d far rather my family and friends donate cash to the charity than buy me presents and gifts I don’t need.

“I’m very pleased by how much we’ve raised already for this excellent cause.

“And what would I do with a cupboard full of chocolates?!”

The centenarian-to-be said she was thrilled to have already raked in £444.

“So many generous people have got behind us – it’s brilliant.

“We have to do what ever we can to help young people right here in Leicestershire who are struggling,” said Betty, whose beloved South African husband Armin died in 1996.

Born way back in February 1920 just 15 months after the Great War ended, the great-great-grandmother also shared her secret for powering through into the 21st century.

“I do love a glass of ginger wine and a little brandy at about 5pm every day.

“I do recommend it,” smiled Betty, who lives in sheltered accommodation at St Mary’s House in Church Close, Lutterworth.