Slough war veteran turns 103 in style

A resident at a care home in Slough has celebrated her special milestone with a surprise birthday party.

Lilian Doreen Carr, known as Doreen and resident at Care UK’s Oak House on Forest Close off Wexham Road, marked the latest milestone of her centenarian status surrounded by her closest friends and family. 

To make the day even more special, Lilian's sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Steve Jaggs, helped organise the surprise party, while the team members decorated the home with balloons, treated Doreen to a cake prepared by the home’s head chef and invited the Mayor of Slough Councillor Siobhan Dauti to join the festivities.

When asked how she felt about turning 103, Doreen said: “I was surrounded by so much love that words can hardly describe it. My family, friends, the staff, and even the mayor made my day unbelievably special. I am truly overwhelmed by all the beautiful surprises they prepared for me. My heart is so full of happiness and gratitude – it was a day I will never forget.”

Doreen was born in Hirwaun, south Wales. Soon after her 18^th birthday, she volunteered to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service and worked at a recruitment office in Bath for five years, rising to the rank of lance corporal. 

It was during the second world war that she met her future husband, Bill, and they married in 1946. Together they raised their daughter, Patricia, who often visits Doreen at Oak House. 

The family moved to Slough, where Doreen had several jobs until retiring in her 60s after working as a telephonist at BT. 

Since her husband passed away in 1992, Doreen has lived an independent and active life. She joined Oak House in May 2025, where she continues to crochet, knit and watch The Queen’s Guard.

When asked her secret to a long and happy life, she said: “Be satisfied with what you have and keep moving forward when things go wrong. Helping others is one of the most important things in life, because when you help someone, your heart stays young. It means you find happiness in lifting others up.” 

“Never forget to smile – a smile not only brightens the world around you, it keeps you looking and feeling younger too.”

Bozena Szczepaniak, Home Manager at Oak House, said: “We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Doreen. As a much-loved resident, it was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her and her family. 

“Here at Oak House, everything we do centres around our ethos of ensuring residents live active and fulfilling lives – and Doreen’s 103^rd birthday celebration was no exception.

“It was lovely to see how happy she was to be surrounded by those closest to her on her special day.”

Oak House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care, providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. There is plenty of space for relaxation and recreation, with facilities including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.