Dudley’s Merry Hill shopping centre became a vibrant hub of joy and celebration as it marked the eighth birthday of Amelia Kolpa. The event, held on March 12, 2024, aimed to help Amelia achieve her dream of breaking the world record for the most birthday cards received on a single birthday.
Amelia, who has been battling Neuroblastoma—a rare form of cancer affecting primarily young children—has spent much of her life in and out of hospitals. Despite her challenges, she has remained hopeful and enthusiastic. The Black Country community, along with supporters from around the globe, rallied to make her birthday wish a reality.
With thousands of cards pouring in from across the West Midlands and beyond, the festive atmosphere at Merry Hill was electric. Attendees joined in a large-scale Macarena dance to celebrate Amelia, with many taking time from their shopping to participate.
Organiser Charmaine Grace, from Party Angels in Wolverhampton, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support. “It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s such a great show of support; everyone has come out and really helped to make Amelia’s dream come true,” she said. “I can’t wait to see her face when she sees the video; it’s going to be amazing.”
As of now, more than 300,000 cards have been collected for Amelia, with contributions arriving from as far away as Canada, Colombia, and China. Grace noted, “It’s unbelievable to see how many cards have been handed in. It’s heartwarming to see the amount of support received from not just the Black Country, but the world too.”
Among those participating in the celebrations was Matt Lemm, owner of Lockside Steakhouse, who played a key role in collecting cards. He noted that over 70,000 cards were gathered through an organized bike ride that involved more than 2,500 bikers. “I think we are all just truly overwhelmed by the amount of support that has been shown. Originally, I estimated around 27,000, but look now,” he said.
The total number of cards continues to rise, with a final count expected to be announced next week. Cards are still being accepted, and several drop-off points have been established, including Party Angels, Lockside Steakhouse, and various schools in the area.
The celebration at Merry Hill serves as a reminder of the power of community and the impact of collective goodwill in making dreams come true. For Amelia, this birthday may just be the beginning of something extraordinary, as she continues to inspire those around her with her courage and determination.
