Kettering's Doris celebrates 100th birthday

It was party time at Kettering's Elm Bank care home earlier this month as a resident celebrated her 100th birthday.

Doris Oakley reached the milestone on September 10 and was treated to a morning of pamper therapy from the 'at home' hairdressers at the Northampton Road home, which is run by Barchester Healthcare.

And the birthday girl then had a champagne reception with a large 100 balloon, banners, fizz, cake and a table displaying all of her cards and gifts.

Doris also received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her birthday.

She said: "I am surprised and amazed at the amount of cards I have received!"

Doris has been a resident at the care home for just over a year and her favourite activities include singing, pamper therapy and the exercise class.

The home is only able to have two visitors present per resident and so Doris' close family members came throughout the afternoon in 30-minute intervals.

Activities co-ordinators Chloe and Cassie the went above and beyond to make her day special.

Jessica Pateman, general manager at the care home, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"We were able to capture a very special moment between Doris and her son Spencer when he brought out his guitar and began to sing the first ever song Doris’ mother sang to her when she was a baby.

"It was the first time in their lives they had both sang together and what a beautiful moment it was."

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