100-year-old Stansted care home resident shares the secret to a long life

 

A 100-year-old Stansted care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Patricia Rogers, who lives at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield, celebrated her 100^th birthday on 3^rd October with her family, residents, and team members.

Patricia, known as Pat, was born in Leytonstone and grew up in Newham. Pat left education at just 15, when World War Two broke out, and she went to work at Briggs Garage, part of the Ford Motor company for three years before serving in the British Liberation Army.  At the end of the war, Pat was stationed in Germany to communicate where she communicated with ministers in Downing Street. 

Pat was awarded four medals for her time serving across Europe and received a medal from Princess Anne, which was given to only 100 women in the country. 

She met her husband, Charlie, during the war and they went on to have a daughter, and now also have a granddaughter and three grandchildren. 

Reflecting on her many happy years, Pat has shared her secret to living a long life: “Never do as you are told, unless you want to or feel it’s right”. 

To help make Pat’s birthday one to remember, the team threw her a special party complete with an Elvis singer and a birthday cake specially made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Commenting on her big day, Pat said: "I had the most wonderful day with family and friends, and I'd like to thank everybody who made my day extra special. The highlight, of course, was singing alongside Elvis all afternoon! 

“I'm still in shock that I'm 100, but I'm already looking forward to inviting Elvis back for next year's celebrations!" 

Gina Graves, Suite Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We love to throw a party for special occasions at Mountfitchet House – and Pat’s 100^th birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!

“It was wonderful to see Pat surrounded by all her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone. The team worked tirelessly to make sure her day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Pat!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.