One for the books – sea cadets join in care home resident’s 102nd birthday celebrations

A Cheadle care home resident and former Wren celebrated her 102^nd birthday in style.

Doris Robins, who lives at Care UK’s Abney Court, in Abney Hall Park, was joined by family, team members and the local Stockport Sea Cadets to toast the special occasion.

Doris joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service at the beginning of the Second World War, which involved sending coded messages. She regularly reminisces about her time in the Navy with team members, which inspired them to reach out to their local Sea Cadets to invite them to her special day.

 

In addition to organising a birthday cake and a host of gifts, including a birthday card from the Women’s Royal Navy Services, the team threw a spectacular party to ensure Doris enjoyed a celebration to remember. On the day, Doris also traded stories with the Sea Cadets and shared the valuable life lessons she learnt along the way. 

Revealing her secret to a long and happy life, 102-year-old Doris – who is well-known at the home for her love of art, swimming and her wonderful sense of humour – said: “Do as many things as you can in a day – keep active and don’t waste the day!”

Commenting on her birthday surprise, she added: “It was the best birthday, I loved having the sea cadets visit me – they marched in and saluted me. The gifts I received from them were lovely and they also gave me a Navy hat which I will treasure.”

Amcia Hara, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Doris’ birthday, and she was particularly pleased with her surprise visit from the local Sea Cadets.

“Doris has been living at Abney Court for almost eight years now, and it’s fair to say the home wouldn’t be the same without her. She always has so many exciting stories from her time in the Navy, which made it all the more meaningful to welcome the Stockport Sea Cadets into the home.

“Here at Abney Court, we always strive to make a big occasion of birthdays, and Doris’ 102^nd was no exception. We had great fun decorating the home, and would like to thank the Sea Cadets for making her day extra special.” 

Doris was born in Tottenham, in North London, in 1921, and also lived in Leigh-on-Sea and Didsbury growing up. She met her husband-to-be George when she was 18 and the pair were soon married. At the end of the Second World War, Doris became a nursery nurse, before retiring at the age of 62.

Doris and her husband George shared a lifetime of happy memories and went on to have four children together: Frances, Chris, Nichola and Mandy.

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Abney Court, please email Erminia Anglesea, Customer Relations Manager, on erminia.anglesea@careuk.com or call 0161 660 5713.

For more information about Abney Court, visit careuk.com/abney-court