St Judes Nursing Home in Sutton celebrated in style this week as one of its residents turned 108 years old.
Mrs Betty Spear was surprised with a party as she celebrated her milestone birthday on August 4.
Residents and the nursing home staff showered her with cards, banners and flowers – and she was joined by her son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the local mayor to mark her special day.
Betty says she “still feels 21” – despite being the “oldest lady in London”, according to the care home.
She said: “My advice to the younger generation is to be happy and kind, be tolerant of old people and try to help them.”
She also gave away her secret to staying healthy.
“Be nice to people and try and make them laugh – and have a little drop of whiskey every day,” she added.
Betty gushed over her birthday, saying the whole day was “marvellous” and that her card from the Queen was special.
Betty has sadly outlived both her daughter and husband – but remains positive and full of joy in the face of all adversity she has encountered.
Betty, also known as Sarah Spear, moved to London at the age of 18 to become a nurse.
She practiced in Carshalton and met and married George Spear in 1947 before giving birth to daughter Anne.
Patricia Fyfe, matron at St Judes Nursing Home said: "We are honoured to be celebrating Betty’s 108th birthday.
"Betty brings her warmth, kind heart with quick wit to the Home and we all blessed to have her as part of our St Judes family.
“To start the celebrations, Betty was treated to a pamper session with our hairdresser and care team.
"The afternoon brought about a surprise party in the garden to include games, cake and a very special dove release to mark this extra special day.
“Betty found the whole day to be marvellous.
"When asked what she had enjoyed the most, Betty said everything - especially the card from the Queen, seeing Ken and the children.
"She said, 'my lovely party with my friends and the doves. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart'.”
The party at St Judes was the first the nursing home has thrown since the pandemic.
Patricia added: “This party was extra special for the whole home.
"We have been careful to uphold our stringent processes and protocols to safeguard our residents and staff.
"These celebrations are a lovely way to bring everyone together in a safe and secure way."
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