Hospice patient celebrates her 102nd Birthday

Patients, visitors, staff and volunteers on the Inpatient Unit were delighted to wish many happy returns to a special patient today (Thursday 4 September) who was turning 102!

Ada was joined by her son, Graham and Daughter in law Pat and later Michael and his wife Pam who had travelled from their home in Cyprus and other members of the family throughout the day.

Born in 1923, Ada has many memories to recount as she lay peacefully in the bed overlooking the garden and blue tits on the bird table. She was born in North London and was only 16 years old when WW2 broke out. She stayed in London throughout and worked at an ammunitions factory. She often cycled to Windsor and to Buckingham Palace on VE Day in 1945 to see King George VI and his daughters Elizabeth (our future Queen) and Margaret on the balcony. Ada was also keen to share she was an Ice Skater in Richmond.

Ada and her husband, Ken, moved to Harlow in 1960 when they brought up their three boys Graham, Michael and Tony, until she was widowed in 1983. She retired from telecommunications when she was 60. She has five grandchildren Alex, Rebecca, Matthew, Benjamin and James and six great grandchildren Faye, Archie, Thea, Charlie, Elliott and Wyatt. Two years ago she celebrated her 100th birthday at a party in the local pub, The Three Tuns in Abington and was today holding the card, she received then from King Charles and King and Queen Consort, in the Hospice bed.

In her 80’s she moved to a bungalow to be near her son and daughter in law and has lived independently there ever since.

Her son shared:
“Mum has been very comfortable and very happy since she arrived at the Hospice. We have even been able to visit with her dog Daisy who enjoyed jumping on the bed with her!”

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The Charity supports adults over 18 years old, living in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care to make every moment count.

Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim being to provide the highest quality care, helping people to make every moment count. You can find out more about how we are funded here: arhc.org.uk/how-we-are-funded.