Latest news with #100thBirthday
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former nurse, 100, 'inundated' with birthday cards
A former midwife has received hundreds of cards from around the world in celebration of her 100th birthday. Bertha Preston spent time working in New Zealand, Australia and Kenya, before settling down in a nursing career at Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, Somerset. With no surviving family or close friends nearby, staff at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Paulton issued a "heartfelt request" to the public to send in their warm wishes. Key worker Jane Rogers described Ms Preston as a "very strong lady", who "chose her career over marriage" and showed an unwavering dedication to her profession. Ms Preston said "her spirit remains strong and her presence continues to inspire those around her". "She's been a huge part of my life," said Ms Rogers, who has cared for Ms Preston since 2009. "All of the residents here are very special to everyone who works here, but she's a darling lady. "Because of her vulnerability and the fact she has no known family, we've all become her family, and that's how we like it." Ms Preston's "quiet strength and compassion" was born out of becoming an orphan at the age of eight, after losing her mother to tuberculosis. Her nursing journey took her around the world, most notably to Africa, where she treated patients for trachoma and helped deliver hundreds of babies. One woman wrote to Ms Preston from Kenya to ask if she had worked at the hospital during her birth in the early 1960s. "I was delighted to read of your enthusiasm for the country, and of your hard work and devotion over many years as a nurse," Sarah wrote. "You are clearly a credit to your profession." Activities assistant Christina Coles said the home had been "inundated" with letters since posting the appeal online, including a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. "The amount that's come through the post has been amazing," she said. "We've had such a good response, it's really been overwhelming. "It's lovely that people have made so much effort in the community to come forward for a lady who has worked so hard. "100 years is an amazing achievement for anyone. Bertha has got an incredible story and it's nice to share that with people," she added. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. D-Day veteran's 'unforgettable' 100th birthday World War Two decoder celebrates 100th birthday Vera celebrates 100th birthday with 450 cards Bloomfield Care Centre
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Over 350 cards for Birmingham woman's 100th birthday
A centenarian received hundreds of birthday cards in a "heartwarming" response to an appeal by her care home. Irene Weaver turned 100 years old on Wednesday with 370 cards from people in the UK and around the the lead-up to her milestone birthday, the staff at her care home in Roxburgh House, Cradley Heath, launched an appeal to make her day extra special. Nicola Oldham, the care home manager, said: "The look on Irene's face as she opened card after card was priceless – it's a birthday none of us will ever forget." Ms Weaver, who was born in Birmingham in 1925, celebrated her birthday with family, fellow residents, and dedicated care "overwhelming" response also saw a crew from West Midlands Fire Service making a visit to personally extend their well wishes. She moved into Roxburgh House in March, supported by her Oldham said: "From everyone here at HC-One's Roxburgh House Care Home, we want to thank everyone who wished Irene the happiest of 100th birthdays. "It's been truly heartwarming to see the outpouring of kindness from so many people near and far." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘I'm here to survive': WWII vet celebrates turning 100 years old
The Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank celebrated volunteer Martin Jones ahead of his 100th birthday on Friday. 'The gun barrels got so hot you had to bury them in sand.' Marty Jones told a few stories about his time in the Second World War to people at his 100th birthday celebration, hosted by the Veterans Association Food Bank (VAFB), on Tuesday morning. Martin (Marty) Jones birthday celebration Martin (Marty) Jones shares stories with people at this 100th birthday celebration hosted by the Veterans Association Food Bank Edmonton on May 27, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) He was born in Lamont, Alta., and grew up in Lashburn, Sask. - serving with his brothers as a volunteer reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy, where he was involved in the Juno Beach landings in 1944. 'We just got the job done as fast as we could and got out,' Jones said, remembering how they made it out of the war. Lindsay Mac, food program manager at VAFB, said taking the time to celebrate one of their oldest members is 'big and meaningful.' 'Marty and his family sacrificed a lot for us during their career in the military … and it's really nice to take the time to celebrate him,' she told CTV News Edmonton during the festivities. 'Something huge like turning 100 – this doesn't happen every day.' Old picture of war veteran Martin Jones An old photo of Martin (Marty) Jones was on display at the birthday celebration hosted by Veterans Association Food Bank Edmonton on May 27, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton) Mac said a colleague asked Jones how he made it to the centennial milestone and his answer was to be kind to everyone. 'To be able to take a moment and recognize somebody who sacrificed so much and can still come in here and put a big smile on his face and bring a smile to all of us, it's really touching memories,' she described of the occasion. The VAFB helps Canadian Forces veterans, RCMP veterans, and active military members by providing food and emergency financial assistance if they need help making ends meet. 'We really try to do everything we can to support Canadian veterans and give back for what they've given for us,' Mac said, adding the VAFB is always in need of cash donations and non-perishable food for their hamper program. According to Mac, about 70 people attended the birthday party and a blanket was presented to Jones through the Quilts of Valour program. Jones said he doesn't bear any grudges to his former opponents in the war. 'We're all in the seniors place I'm in now,' Jones said. 'Some older people, they're from Germany and I said, 'Well, the war is over now. You people are my friends.'' 'You know I'm here to survive.' He added that the celebration with other veterans and current military members is a special reminder as they celebrate his 100th birthday a few days early. 'We're all in the same leaky boat. We patch each other's water holes. We work together and we bring the young people up with us in love and caring.' With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Klippenstein
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Celebrating food bank volunteer's 100th birthday
Edmonton Watch The Edmonton Veterans Association Food Bank celebrated volunteer Martin Jones ahead of his 100th birthday on Friday.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Postman follows in father's footsteps by celebrating 100th birthday
A WELL-known former serviceman and village postman is following in his father's footsteps as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Tommy Bell, of Gosforth, marked his milestone birthday on May 18 with a surprise pie and peas supper at the New Life Church in Whitehaven and a birthday cake made by his daughter, Janice. Tommy Bell received a card from the King for his 100th birthday (Image: Family handout) He was also presented with two shields from The Royal Border Regiment and The Duke of Lancaster Regiment and received a card from the King. It was a full circle moment for the centenarian, who in 1987 delivered a 100th birthday card from the Queen to his dad, James Bell, while working as a postman. A young Tommy Bell (right) pictured with his younger brother, Gordon, mum Maud and dad James (Image: Family handout) When asked how he felt about turning 100, Mr Bell said: 'Not too bad. I didn't expect all this and all these people coming to see us.' Mr Bell was born near Kendal on May 18,1925. When he was two, he moved to Scotland, where his dad worked as a gamekeeper. Tommy Bell celebrates his 100th birthday with daughter, Janice (Image: Newsquest) The family moved from Scotland to Muncaster in 1942 when Mr Bell was 17 and his dad was gamekeeper for the Muncaster estate. In December 1944, Mr Bell went to Windsor to enlist with the Royal Horse Guards. He was transferred to the Royal Welsh Guards for nine months and then went to Durranhill Barracks. He was in the Border Regiment and served in India for two years. He spent time in Bombay, Calcutta and Bengaluru and said it was 'very hot'. Mr Bell returned to England in 1947 and finished in the Second Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, based in Stockport. He left the army when he was 22 and then worked on the railways for 13 years. Tommy Bell, pictured in his younger years, has marked his 100th birthday (Image: Family handout) He married his first wife, Thelma, in Distington in 1960 and their first daughter Janice was born the same year. They had another daughter, Lorna in 1963. In 1975, he remarried to Janet, who passed away three years ago. Mr Bell has grandchildren Nicola, Sarah, Rory, Jack and Joanna and two great-grandchildren, Castiel and Chloe. Mr Bell is well-known in Gosforth, where he worked as a postman for 30 years and enjoyed 'having a good crack' with residents. He then worked as a bank guard at NatWest for five years in Seascale and later in Egremont. Tommy Bell celebrates his 100th birthday at the New Life Church in Whitehaven with a cake made by his daughter, Janice (Image: Family handout) He used to play the accordion, playing in bands and in church and he still enjoys playing the keyboard. He attends New Life Church in Whitehaven. Genetics have no doubt played a role in Mr Bell's longevity - his dad lived to be 106 - but when asked what the secret to a long life was, Mr Bell said it was 'staying active'. His dad could always be found on the moors, even in later life. Tommy Bell used to play the accordion and still enjoys playing the piano (Image: Family handout) Mr Bell still enjoys going for walks and says he 'used to walk for miles'.
