SWNSA sassy centurion has discovered the refreshing nectar of youth, with absolutely no unicorn blood required whatsoever.
Indeed, you are more likely to find this fountain of eternal life at your local Wetherspoons than at the end of the rainbow.
Former mill worker Eileen Maher has just celebrated her 100th birthday, and enjoyed a surprise party befitting such a momentous occasion.
Find out more about Eileen’s 100th birthday party below:
Energetic Eileen, who originates from Darwen, Lancashire, danced the night away with dapper, uniform clad fellow resident John Simms, and enjoyed a special concert in her honour.
Proving she is a thoroughly modern lady, Eileen even partook in her very first selfie, posing alongside staff members at the Princess Alexandra home in Blackpool.
Eileen would have just been content with a message from Her Maj, but was reportedly ‘made up’ with the surprise bash thrown for her by the Princess Alexandra staff.
Eileen said:
It’s all been wonderful.
I didn’t expect a party but it’s lovely they have done something so special for me. Being content has helped me reach my 100th birthday.
SWNSCare services manager, Elaine Wright, said:
Eileen said she just wanted her telegram from the Queen – and to be loved.
The celebration was made all the more special, with the attendance of Tom and Pauline Green.
The pair made the 250 mile journey from Surrey to wish Eileen many happy returns of the day.
Pauline, who is more like a family member than a friend to Eileen, said:
Eileen was my mother’s best friend.
They went on holidays, even the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), together.
I see her as my auntie, she’s a wonderful woman.
SWNSLike many of those from her generation, Eileen is made of stern stuff and is known to have a fiercely independent streak.
She only moved to the care home three years ago after the death of her husband Frank. The couple hadn’t had any children.
Speaking about their long marriage and romantic first encounter, Eileen said:
My friend told me to go to a local hotel as there was a man who was a fantastic pianist.
It turned out to be Frank and I went and fell in love with him – he was a great jazz pianist.
She continued:
We married in 1951 when I was 33.
We came to Blackpool for our honeymoon and never left.
We used to love to play tennis too but now I just enjoy listening to it as my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be.
SWNSSo what is the secret behind Eileen’s longevity? Princess Alexandra home staff believe they could have the answer.
Elaine revealed:
Eileen’s not big on bubbly so her favourite tipple was on tap – Stella Artois!
With a packet of custard creams, it’s her not-so-secret self-indulgence.
Fair play to her, and what a cracking way to kiss your naughty nineties goodbye!
SWNSWhat an absolute star this lady is.
Happy Birthday, Eileen, and thank you for the Stella advice!
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected]
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.