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Local care home resident becomes the third oldest person in Surrey
Kathleen Shaw recently celebrated her 109th birthday with friends and family. She now becomes the third oldest individual in Surrey (27st oldest in the UK). Originally from Grantham in Lincolnshire, Kathleen moved down to Surrey to become a secretary for the board of London Buses and has remained in the county ever since.
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Throughout the day, Kathleen was joined by loved ones including her son and grandchildren from America, as well as a live local performer, Alex Eberhard and a visit from the vintage ice cream truck, Moooh!
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Stating the secret to a long and healthy life is “eating broccoli and carrots”, Kathleen shared a few words about her birthday celebrations. She said: “Everyone is so very kind and what a lovely day I am having. I can’t believe all this is for me!!”.
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Kathleen moved into Knowle Park nursing home back in July 2018, where she keeps herself busy and active. She enjoys a regular walk around the gardens of the home, watching The Chase and spending time with her loved ones.
Care home manager, Azaad Saumtally, said: “Kathleen is such an elegant and kind individual and such an inspiration to everyone! To have just turned 109 years young and to still be so independent with such a positive attitude at her age is truly incredible. It just goes to show age is just a number!
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“Throughout Kathleen’s big day, we were joined by several generations of her family and it was such a joy to have been a part of a wonderful occasion. From everyone at Knowle Park, we wish Kathleen the happiest of birthdays”.