Appleby House resident reveals the secret to a long life as she celebrates 100th birthday

Home news

Jan 09, 2018

A resident at Appleby House celebrated her 100th birthday and revealed the secret to a long life.  

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Appleby Housewhen resident Jessie McLennan celebrated her 100th birthday. Jessie turned 100 years ‘young’ on 30th December, and revealed the secret to a long life is to surround yourself with people who make you happy.

To celebrate her milestone birthday, Jessie was joined by fellow residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home, including a bespoke cake created by Coughlans Bakery.

Jessie was born on 30th December 1917 in Ewell, and has fond memories of the house she grew up in with her parents and brother. After working as a telephonist during the war, Jessie went on to work at the Ewell Telephone Exchange until retirement.

Her favourite pastime is to write – and she particularly enjoys keeping a journal. Jessie loves all animals, but cats are her favourite, in fact her cat Freddie even featured on her birthday cake.

Jessie has lived at Appleby House care home since December 2014, after making a lot of friends at the home whilst spending time in respite care there.

Shona Bradbury, home manager at Appleby House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Appleby House, and we always like to make an occasion of birthdays.

“To celebrate Jessie’s birthday, we held a special party here at the home, and it was lovely to celebrate with the residents, for what is a wonderful milestone!”