Knutsford centenarian resident shares secret to longevity

There were plenty of smiles and slices of cake at a care home in Knutsford when one resident celebrated a milestone birthday.

Margaret "Margot” Lewis, who lives at Care UK’s Cranford Grange, on Hall Lane in Mobberley, marked her 101st birthday in style with a party at the home. 

Team members decorated the home with a special birthday display made up of balloons and banners, while the centenarian tucked into a spectacular cake prepared by the home’s head chef.

Margot, who was overjoyed to toast the milestone with her close friends and family, shared her simple secret to living a long, fulfilling life: “Get lots of fresh air and always be active!”

Born in Glasgow and raised in Gourock, Margot began her career as an almoner after achieving a diploma in Social Studies from the University of Glasgow in the late 1940s. She went on to become a medical social worker, which included a two-year period living and working in Vancouver, Canada, during the early 1950s.

Margot later moved back to Glasgow and met her husband, Ben. They married in 1959 and moved to Knutsford, where they raised their two daughters. Today, Margot has four grandchildren. 

A keen traveller, Margot continued to enjoy exploring the world after she retired. She regularly flew to Canada to visit her friends, even well into her 90s, and embraced an active lifestyle. Some of her favourite hobbies included tennis, hiking, skiing, golf, bridge, dressmaking, embroidery, and cooking – some of which she still enjoys today. 

Margot added: “It feels quite strange to think that I’m 101, because honestly, I don’t feel any different than when I was 100! I’m still doing all the same things and keeping myself busy. One of the highlights of my day was a special visit from the Knutsford Beavers. As they walked past, they each wished me a happy birthday, which was a lovely surprise and a wonderful way to end the day.”

Daniel Cole, Home Manager at Cranford Grange, said: “Margot’s 101st birthday was a true celebration of her remarkable and fascinating life. She is truly the celebrity here too, having appeared on TV twice in her 100th year, including on BBC Breakfast on Boxing Day and ITV’s Tonight programme about living well. 

“We’re committed to helping residents live fulfilling lives, which is why we love to celebrate big milestones, and Margot’s 101st birthday was no exception. She’s a cherished member of the community and regularly takes part in activities and games. She’s even recently taken up table tennis!

“Her sense of humour and joy for life is such an inspiration to us all. Happy birthday Margot!”

Cranford Grange provides residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The building includes its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon, and has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage interaction among the residents.