105-year-old Cheltenham care home resident shares the secret to a long life

 

A 105-year-old Cheltenham care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life – a pint or two of Guinness. 

Kathleen Hennings, who lives at Care UK’s  Sandfields on St Georges Road, celebrated her 105^th birthday with her friends, fellow residents, and team members.   

Kathleen was born on 2^nd October 1919 and grew up in Brixton, London, where she later began a successful career as an accountant. She enjoyed spending evenings dancing in Covent Garden and regularly attended the Royal Opera House to watch operas and ballets.

After living in London throughout World War II, Kathleen decided she wanted a taste of country life. In 1965, she moved to the Cotswolds near Cheltenham with her mother, her brother Charlie, and her dachshund Rusty.

Reflecting on her many happy years, Kathleen has also revealed the secret to living a long life: “Drink Guinness and don’t marry!”

To help make Kathleen’s birthday one to remember, Kathleen was gifted a hamper by Guinness with pint glasses, a kitchen apron, slippers, chocolates and, of course, plenty of the famous black stout. 

The team also threw her a special party complete with a delicious birthday cake specially made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Commenting on her big day, Kathleen said: “It was so nice to see my lovely friends and neighbours. I’ve been spoilt. Thank you so much.”

Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said: "We love celebrating special milestones at Sandfields, and Kathleen's 105^th birthday certainly called for a party! 

"It was wonderful to see Kathleen surrounded by all her loved ones to commemorate such an incredible milestone. The team put in a lot of effort to ensure that her day was memorable, and we want to say thank you to everyone who joined us in raising a glass of Guinness to Kathleen!"

Sandfields 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.