‘A good Guinness and fresh air!’ Retired WW2 RAF pilot reveals the secret to a long life on his 103rd birthday

A retired RAF pilot living at a care home in Orpington has shared the secret for living a long and happy life on his 103^rd birthday.

A very special birthday celebration took place at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road, when resident Peter Lemon turned 103 years ‘young’. To mark the occasion, Peter revealed his secret was a “good Guinness, fresh air and having fun!”.  

To celebrate, the home decorated the lounge with balloons and banners, and the home’s talented head chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy. To toast the birthday boy, Peter, alongside his friends and family, raised a pint of Guinness before enjoying a slice of birthday cake. 

Peter was born on 4^th December 1920 in Edmonton, North London. After leaving school, Peter worked in an office before later joining the RAF when World War Two broke. Peter was soon appointed Warrant Office, on the 13^th June 1945, and flew in a Wellington aircraft with 8 Squadron. During his time flying the plane, Peter clocked up over 1,000 flying hours, with his longest route taking him from London to Japan.

After the War, Peter continued his passion for planes and worked for the Ministry of Defence, which would later become the British Airports Authority. He retired in 1980, aged 60. Peter was married to his beloved wife, Beryl, for 70 years and had no children. 

Commenting on his birthday celebrations, Peter said: “I had a fantastic time with all the surprises. I was left tearful receiving the letter from the king. Thank you again to the team for a tremendous party – and the Guinness!" 

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Foxbridge House, and we always like to throw a party for special celebrations – and Peter’s 103^rd birthday was no exception.

“We were inundated with birthday cards – and it was fantastic to see Peter celebrating this incredible milestone with his family and friends at Foxbridge House. It was lovely to raise a glass to him on his special day and to reflect on his remarkable achievements.” 

Foxbridge House 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, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.