Cambridgeshire care home resident celebrates 105th birthday

Dorothy Smith, who decoded messages for Bletchley Park during the Second World War, was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents at Hilton Park Care Home in Bottisham to celebrate the milestone.

The party for Dorothy was held at the Bottisham Airfield Museum, and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef, Anthony Hopkins.

The birthday girl, born on October 21, 1919, was given a card from the King to mark her special day.

Dorothy joined Hilton Park Care Home in 2018.

Hilton Park Care Home resident Dorothy Smith celebrates 105th birthday (Image: Submitted)

She said: " I feel truly humbled to have such a lovely day.

"The secret to living to 105 years old is lots of love and laughter.

"A glass of sherry and dark chocolate also help."

Among those relatives attending was Dorothy’s son, Jeff Smith, who played host for the afternoon to lots of guests.

Speaking about his mother, Jeff said: “My mother is and has been a fantastic Mother, Grandmother, Wife and friend to so many over the past one-hundred and five years, and it’s wonderful to be with her on this very special day to say just how proud she makes us feel.”

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Geanina Tinca, general manager of Hilton Park Care Home, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"Dorothy is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she continues her journey through her second century.”

Hilton Park Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

Hilton Park provides residential care and nursing care for 88 residents from respite care to long term stays.