Harrow care home resident raises a glass and reveals her secret to a long life on 101st birthday

A very special birthday celebration took place at Care UK’s Buchanan Court, on Sudbury Hill, where Denise Jackson revealed her secret to a long, fruitful life was to “enjoy a healthy diet – but enjoy chocolate and sweets more!” As well as “being kind to others and not arguing.”

To celebrate, the home team decorated the home with balloons and banners, and the home’s head chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy. Linda Watts from Diva Musicals entertained everyone with music from across the decades, which got everyone in the party spirit.

Denise was joined by her daughter, Melissa, two grandsons, Sam and Louis, and friends from Buchanan Court to celebrate the occasion.

Denise was born on June 13, 1923 in Hertford. An only child, Denise grew up in Norwich after her parents moved there when she was a baby. After leaving school, Denise started her career at the Ministry of Agriculture, but was forced to put this on pause and join the war effort during World War Two, leading her to join the women’s section of the Royal Navy as a Wren.

More recently, Denise’s time as a Wren was celebrated when she was honoured with the role of lighting the lamp of peace to commemorate 80 years since D-Day at a commemorative event at the home.

Passionate about sport, Denise enjoyed many years as a tennis player and often played in tournaments around Norfolk. She continues to enjoy the sport and frequently watches tennis tournaments, especially Wimbledon which has always been her favourite.

Esther Oluwatosin Adams, Home Manager at Buchanan Court, said: “Denise is a much-loved resident here at Buchanan Court, and it was lovely to celebrate such a momentous occasion with Denise and her loved ones. Seeing the joy it brought was truly heartwarming.

“Here at Buchanan Court, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality care and making the home a brilliant place to live, so we always like to celebrate occasions like this – and Denise’s 101st birthday was certainly a milestone to rejoice. It was great to raise a glass together on her special day.”

Buchanan Court provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own bar and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.

To find out more about Buchanan Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, Lorelei Shepherd, on 020 3504 7835, or email [email protected]

For general information please visit, careuk.com/buchanan-court