Best friend centenarians celebrate at Shrewsbury rest home

Two residents from Lymehurst Rest Home on Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury have celebrated their 100th birthdays this year.

Their first 100th birthday was celebrated in July of this year. Hilda was once a Military Policewoman and has been awarded the Legion of Honour medal from the French after serving in the second wave of D-Day.

She was serenaded by her nephew through the window, who played the bugle for her and then presented Hilda with a delicious 100th birthday cake, baked by the homes very talented Head Chef. Hilda received the all-important card from The Queen, as well as flowers and gifts sent in from her family to make it a lovely day had by all.

The home's second 100th birthday celebration was in November. The lovely Elsie trained as a nurse cadet at the Royal Salop Infirmary (now the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital) before completing her full nurse's training in Nottingham. She then went on to work with spinal injury patients, before becoming a Matron.

Elsie had a day of celebration including a fabulous cake, party, singing, decorations and gifts. Photos of Elsie’s birthday was sent to her family, so they could share in her special day too.

Very best friends

What makes these birthdays even more special is the fact that Hilda and Elsie are the very best of friends. They spend every afternoon together, chatting away happily.

A Lymehurst Rest Home staff member said: “Our staff, as ever, have been and continue to be amazing throughout this pandemic. It has been such a difficult time for our residents, not being able to see their loved ones, chat as normal, hold their hand or have a hug from them.

But our staff have really stepped up and pulled together, as the family home that we are. They have been there, day and night, through the tears and the smiles. They have been there to celebrate special occasions when family members can not.“

We are so proud, and thankful for our wonderful team and for all of our very special residents.”