A WONDERFUL and inspirational pensioner who beat Covid-19 has celebrated a very special birthday.

Birthday wishes have been pouring in for Joan Capel, of Wrexham, who celebrated her 103rd birthday on January 19.

After having survived the Spanish Flu, Joan showed great strength in 2020 when she had tested positive for coronavirus.

Back in 2020, Joan banged her head after slipping over on a late night trip to the bathroom.

After being taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital for treatment, she received a routine test for the virus where it was found she had tested positive.

The Leader previously reported that the family asked people to send in cards and well wishes to the elderly woman who was once again being cut off from the outside world due to the lockdown restrictions.

Granddaughter Alison Telfer said her grandmother was an inspirational and remarkable woman, and sent her own message.

She said: "We have had many adventures over the years, getting into mischief along the way. As soon as this pandemic, your second pandemic and the National Lockdown are over, I'm really hoping we can all celebrate your birthday and maybe have a couple more.

"Although I think your days, and mine for that matter, of scrambling up railway embankments and climbing trees might behind us now. Lots of love from everybody - we all miss you. Ali, Carl, Jack, Helen and Gordon (Jessie and Paddy)."

For her birthday, Alison confirmed that although Joan was 'isolated in her room', staff at her care home tried to make it special and helped unwrap her presents and cards.

She added she had around 100 cards and thoughtful messages to enjoy.

Joan also spent time working at Erddig until the pandemic hit.

A spokesman for Erddig said: "We wanted to take this opportunity to wish our book shop volunteer Joan a very happy birthday as she turns 103 today.

"We're sad that we are unable to celebrate with her in person this year and we're looking forward to a time where we can all be together again.

"A few years ago as she turned 100, Joan gave us all some advice that still rings true today. Be like Joan."

Alison previously told the Leader that Joan was 'not your typical granny'.

She added: "Grandma didn't stop driving until a month before her 100th and she has been in a care home for two year's and that's only because her mind writes cheques her body can't always cash.

"She fought off two burglars who broke onto her house in Hope when she was in her 90s.

"She is not your typical granny. Though she does crochet. She loves owls, dogs (she has kept labs and collies herself) and says if she had a dog with her now she'd be fine, books, puzzles her IQ is very very high and steam trains. Most of all she likes talking to people."