Woodland Grove resident Kay says sausages are the secret to her longevity

Our Woodland Grove Care Home resident Kay Mathieson celebrated her 104^th birthday by having sausages for breakfast and according to her they are the secret to a long life.

Kay also enjoyed a party at the home with her family joining in via video link and greetings from Loughton’s mayor, Cllr Stella Murphy.

Care Home Manager Hazel McGwyne said, “To reach 104 years old is quite an achievement, and something to celebrate!

“Sausages have obviously kept Kay in good health all these years and we make sure we have a constant supply. Personalised care is all about meeting residents’ needs and wishes. Being able to choose what they want to eat is really important for their wellbeing.

“It’s been lovely to celebrate with her and we wish her very many happy returns!”

Kay was born in 1916 in Liverpool, where she met and married her husband, Gordon, at the start of the Second World War. He was soon called up to serve in the Royal Tank Corps and while he was away, Kay worked for the Ministry of Agricultural in Boston, Lincolnshire, as a principle secretary.

Work commitments brought the family, which by then included daughter, Margaret, to Loughton in the 1950s, where Kay became the treasurer for the local branch of the Women’s Institute.

She moved into Woodland Grove Care Home in 2016 at the age of 100. A keen gardener, she makes the most of the home’s grounds and in normal times, loves spending time with the therapy animals that visit Woodland Grove Care Home every month.

Kay was overwhelmed with cards on her special day and was thrilled to receive photos and posters from her family which brought back many happy memories. Despite it being her birthday, Kay wasn’t planning to stay up late. Early nights, she says, are another secret to a long life.

She said, “I’ve really enjoyed today, I never expected to reach 104!”

Now staff at Woodland Grove Care Home would like to find people of a similar age to Kay so she can enjoy sharing memories of years gone by.

Hazel continued, “We would love to be able to put her in contact with someone whose memory goes as far back as hers!

“It’s so valuable to be able to talk to someone who remembers the same events in life so if there is anyone who would like to chat to Kay via the telephone or video link, we’d love to hear from them.”

Find out more about Woodland Grove Care Home in Loughton.