A resident at a Wishaw care home who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday has put her longevity down to staying single.
Cathy Hillock, who lives at Beechwood Care Home, told fellow residents and staff that she credits the lack of men in her life as one of her secrets to reaching the milestone birthday.
Cathy was born right at the start of the roaring 20s and there was a Great Gatsby theme for her latest birthday party at the care home situated on Wishaw’s Bridge Street.
The pensioner celebrated in style in the company of family and friends, who joined residents and staff who donned their feathered finery for the big day.
Born not too long after the end of Word War I Cathy has seen a few first during her life.
Events in 1920 included the first roller coaster in the UK opening at Margate, the first women jury members were used in England, the first Bentley cars were delivered to buyers, and the Labour Party said it would call for general strikes if the UK declared war on Russia.
Cathy has witnessed the first man on the moon, and lived through World War II as well as countless other notable events.
She believes never marrying was key to her in becoming a centenarian and celebrating a further two birthdays since, so far.
When asked what she believes are the secrets to a long and happy life, Cathy said: “I think for me, the secrets to a long, happy and healthy life are everything in moderation. I eat and drink well, have always done lots of charity work. Oh, and perhaps most importantly I stayed single and never got married!”
In addition to a regular programme of activities to provide residents with opportunities to stay healthy and happy, staff at Beechwood Care Home, which is part of the Holmes Care Group, go the extra mile to ensure that residents’ birthdays and other significant milestones are truly memorable. And Cathy’s big day was no exception.
Helen Miller, Activities coordinator at Beechwood Care Home said: “All the staff and residents at Beechwood had a fantastic time celebrating Cathy’s 102nd Birthday.
"It’s always wonderful to be able to find unique ways to make each birthday party special, and Cathy was delighted to be able to celebrate her milestone birthday with family and friends and said how happy she was to know everyone was thinking of her.”
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