Just keep swimming – 103-year-old Halstead care home resident reveals the secret to a long life is a

Home news

Nov 27, 2020

A Halstead care home resident and former swimmer was delighted to celebrate her 103^rd birthday.

Margaret Warburton, from Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, celebrated the impressive milestone on 15^th November, and was joined by residents and team members to toast the special occasion.

Filled with cake, balloons and a video call with family, the team went above and beyond to ensure Margaret enjoyed her birthday in style. As a former member of The Salvation Army, Margaret was also delighted to receive a virtual performance from the band, recorded especially for her.

Revealing the secret to living a long and happy life, Margaret said: “To swim! It’s good for your lungs and improves your breathing.”

Margaret added: “I didn’t think I would ever live to be 103, it’s amazing. I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday with my Colne View family, and the performance from the Salvation Army was the icing on the cake, as they have played such a huge part in my life.”

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “We love a party here at Colne View, and Margaret’s birthday truly was an occasion to celebrate. From enjoying a slice of cake to tapping our feet along to the music, we all had a wonderful time celebrating this special milestone.”

Margaret, who was one of five children, and born in London, grew up with The Salvation Army, as her parents were both officers. During her schoolyears, Margaret’s family moved to Wales, where she spent most of her childhood. After leaving school, Margaret served as an officer of The Salvation Army for eight years, following in both her mother and father’s footsteps, before moving back to London to work in the telegraph office for the Post Office.

Margaret was a keen swimmer in her younger years and won several awards and trophies in the sport as a child, and continued to swim into her 90s. She is also a talented pianist, and brought her beautiful piano with her to Colne View when she moved in three years ago, where she can be found playing most days. 

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, specialist dementia care and respite care.

For more information about Colne View, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson, 01787 389474 or email Kim.Richardson2@careuk.com

For more general information, visit careuk.com/care-homes/colne-vie