Hemel Hempstead care home gives Doreen a special party to celebrate her 100th birthday

A care home in Hemel Hempstead hosted a special celebration for a resident as she marked her 100th birthday.

Doreen Ward has been living at Alexandra care home, of Alexandra Road, since October last year, and reached her milestone birthday on Thursday, September 24.

Doreen was born and raised in Portadown, Northern Ireland, she moved to England in 1946 and settled in the St Albans area with her husband.

Together, they had a son, Ken, and Doreen enjoyed life as a housewife, cooking, baking, making her own clothes and looking after her border collie, Laddie. She now has two grandchildren who she loves to see.

When asked what it feels like to reach the age of 100, Doreen said: “‘I can’t believe it really, sometimes I feel 100 and sometimes I don’t!”

Staff at the home arranged a special celebration for Doreen, gathering residents to celebrate with tea and a beautiful birthday cake, made by the home’s chef.

Everyone sang happy birthday and presented her with presents and cards.

Home Manager of Alexandra, Sue Monger said, “Doreen was delighted and really quite overwhelmed with the cards and presents she received and the wonderful celebration that was organised for her.

"We hope she had a fantastic time, and on behalf of everyone at Alexandra, I’d like to wish her a very happy birthday.”

Alexandra is part of the Healthcare Homes Group.