Care home resident reunited with 48 family members on her 97th birthday

A care home resident in Purley had her birthday wish come true after she was reunited with members of her family. 

For her 97^th birthday, Mary Dallas, a resident at Care UK’s Amberley Lodge, on Downlands Road, wished she could have all of her family in one place. 

Determined to make her dream come true, the care home team worked with Mary’s family to plan a surprise reunion – and welcomed over 48 members of Mary’s family for a special party. 

To Mary’s delight, she spent her birthday enjoying visits from family, friends, and residents – including her most recent great-grandchild who is just two weeks old. 

A big fan of swing music, the care home team arranged for live entertainment from a local performer and decorated the home’s lounge with birthday banners and balloons. Of course, a birthday isn’t a birthday without a cake, so the home’s Head Chef prepared an impressive cake for the occasion which everyone enjoyed with a glass of bubbly. 

Commenting on the surprise, Mary’s eldest son said: “Although Mum is no longer able to express her feelings herself, I know she enjoyed the party immensely, tapping her feet in time to the music and seeing all her great grandchildren together. 

Mary was born on April 20, 1927, in Glasgow and lived there until she moved to the Purley area after she married her husband, Robbie Dallas in July 1951. Mary met Robbie at the local tennis club in Knightswood where she played with her sister, Florence. Prior to her marriage, Mary was the assistant to the Town Clerk in Glasgow Town Hall and continued in a similar role working for Phillips. 

Azalea Moses, Home Manager at Amberley Lodge, said: “Mary is a much-loved resident here at Amberley Lodge, and we were determined to make her birthday wish come true!

“From a visit from her lovely – extended – family, to raising a glass of bubbly, it was a wonderful day, and seeing her hold her recent great-grandchild was the icing on the cake!

“We strive to support residents to lead happy and fulfilling lives – and this doesn’t stop even if you’re in your nineties like Mary. We were delighted to celebrate such a brilliant milestone with Mary and her family. Happy Birthday, Mary!”

Amberley Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite, and end of life care.