Former nurse celebrates her 103rd birthday at Wixams care home
A Bedford care home has marked a remarkable milestone as resident Trudy Brackley celebrated her 103rd birthday, surrounded by family, staff and friends.
Norfolk-born Trudy was born in 1922, a year when King George V was on the throne and David Lloyd George was Prime Minister.
Trudy, of Elstow Manor Care Home, Bedford Road, began her working life as a trainee nurse before later moving into clerical work.
In 1946 she married her husband, Ted, and the couple went on to have two sons, Phillip and Geoffrey. Today, she is a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of seven.
A keen gardener, Trudy insists the key to her long and healthy life is simple: walking. She even recalls trekking six miles a day to school.
She said: “I used to walk three miles there and three miles back, every single day.
“You didn’t think anything of it back then - you just got on with it. I’ve always stood up for myself too, especially being the only girl with five brothers. And of course, living through the war taught us all to be strong.”
Trudy spent her special day enjoying flowers, cake and sharing stories from a century of life well-lived.
Elstow Manor Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Oliver Waddington added: “It’s fascinating to hear Trudy reminisce and talk about her life.
“It’s a huge honour to have her at Elstow Manor.”