A pensioner is believed to be the second oldest woman in the UK to have celebrated her 112th birthday.
Ada Thempson’s family and friends gathered at her care home in Keighley on Sunday to mark a special occasion.
Mrs Thompson is one year younger than Britain’s oldest living person, Ethel Caterham of Surrey, 113 years old.
When asked what is the secret to her longevity, Mrs. Thompson replied: “I don’t smoke and I don’t drink alcohol. There are two good ones.»
Although currently living in a nursing home, Mrs. Thompson has lived in Haworth for most of her life. Her son, Harry Thompson, said her family was “really proud of her”, adding: “We can’t believe she has come this far. It’s amazing.”
He said no one else in the family lived to such an advanced age. Among Miss Thompson’s birthday cards was one from the King and Queen along with those she had received in previous years from the late Queen Elizabeth.
Mr Thompson said: “I think she saw five different kings.” He added that his mother also lived through both world wars and it’s hard to imagine what she went through.
“Those days must have been tough. My father served in the navy, so he was away for most of the war and she didn’t know where he was.”
Mr. Thompson said he visits his mother twice a week and often watches television from The Hague.
“We talk about everything on television and how things have changed.
“I showed her pictures of the village where she used to live on my phone and told him about the shops.”
When asked about her feelings on her 112th birthday, Mrs. Thompsān replied: “How do I feel? Be as happy as you want.»
She added that she was “delighted” to be celebrating the big day with her family back home.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education