It has been a birthday to remember for a Scoill yn Jubliee student who faced the big day in self-isolation.
Phoebe Keegan, of Douglas, received more than 1,000 messages wishing her a happy ninth birthday from people all around the world - including a message from one of her idols, British gymnast Niles Wilson.
Having been in isolation for more than 10 days due to the island’s coronavirus measures, Phoebe’s mum Julianne asked a number of community groups including Isle of Man Newspapers and Isle of Man Constabulary if they could help make the day special.
Her message came with a photo of their brightly coloured window with the words: ’Happy 9th birthday Phoebe’ along with paintings of rainbows and mottos encouraging people to keep safe.
She said: ’Phoebe is not impressed that she has to spend her birthday inside and just doesn’t understand why she can’t see family and friends.
’It’s going to be a very different day for her. Can we please make it special and share our window to try and get her as many happy birthdays as we can to make her day special.’
Waking up on her birthday yesterday (Thursday), Phoebe was delighted to find more than 600 messages from all around the globe.
One read: ’Happy ninth birthday Phoebe. Hope you enjoy your special day even though you’re stuck in.’
Another person wrote: ’Happy birthday Phoebe. We are in New Zealand and in lockdown. Nearly everyone has a teddy bear in their window. I have the Isle of Man flag on my fence as I was born in Douglas. Have a fantastic birthday.’
Later she received an Instagram video message from Niles, who won an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s horizontal bar at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
He said: ’Phoebe happy birthday I hope you’re having a fantastic day and hope you’re still doing your gymnastics training whilst in isolation. Keep going! Lot’s of love, train smart and keep it real.’
Her day was spent dressed in her gymnastic leotard while practising new skills at home due to the Manx Gymnastics Centre, where she trains, being closed. Celebrating with her with cake was Julianne, her sisters Georgia , Aimee, Eleanor and brother Jack. Plus her puppy Arlo.