A woman who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday has credited staying single and never marrying as the secret to her long life. Cathy Hillock marked the milestone birthday in style at Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, as she revealed her top tips for a long and healthy life.
Staff threw a Roaring '20s, Great Gatsby-themed birthday party for Cathy’s family and friends to mark the occasion, with residents and staff donning their feathered finery for the big day.
Cathy also credited her charity work and balanced diet to reaching 102 years old, but was adamant the most important contributing factor was being single.
She 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."
Beechwood, which is part of the Holmes Care Group, were happy to go the extra mile to make the significant milestone memorable for Cathy.
Photographs from the birthday event show Cathy wearing a black feather headpiece, as she enjoyed her special day surrounded by loved ones.
Dozens of cards and flowers could be spotted next to the birthday girl as staff even put on a buffet.
Helen Miller, Activities Co-ordinator at Beechwood, 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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