Local care home resident reveals secret to a long life on 102nd birthday

 

A resident at a care home in Sutton celebrated her 102^nd birthday by sharing the secret to a long and happy life.

A very special birthday celebration took place at Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road, when Lilly Weeks celebrated her 102^nd birthday in style. On the day, Lily revealed the secret to a long life is to “dance for as long as possible – that’s the reason my legs are so strong and I’m still walking at 102!” 

Lilly’s passion for dance started when she first went to dancing school at the age of 14, where each lesson cost 6p at the time. To revisit her dancing days once again, the team at Tennyson Grange arranged for a surprise ballroom performance from local performer, Simon Guntrip and his company, Best Foot Forward, in the home’s lounge – where Lily even got to perform with the professionals.  

Adding to the big day, the care home team also decorated the home’s café with balloons and banners, and the home’s talented Head Chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

Lilly was born 20^th August 1922, in North Acton where, from an early age, she helped out in her father’s hardware store. Passionate about dancing since she started at the age of 14, Lilly continued taking lessons throughout her life, trying her hand at ballroom and Latin dance lessons.

Lily met her husband, Bert, at the age of 18 when she was in the Women's Royal Airforce, and he was in the army. Lily introduced him to ballroom dancing, and they have loved dancing together ever since.

The couple went on to have three children, Carol, David and Stephen, eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who often visit Lilly at Tennyson Grange. As well as dancing, Lilly loves to knit and often knits items for her family and enjoys making cardigans, which fill her wardrobe.   

Brighton Nyagomo, General Manager at Tennyson Grange, said “Lilly is a gregarious lady who always loves a chat with residents and team members. Everyone was delighted to help her celebrate this incredible birthday in true Tennyson Grange fashion.

“Here at Tennyson Grange, we always like to mark significant milestones, as our ethos is centred around helping residents to live active and fulfilling lives, and Lilly’s 102^nd birthday was no exception. On her special day, it was wonderful to raise a glass together and hear her favourite memories from her long and happy life. Cheers to Lilly!”