Canley care home resident, Phyllis Deacon, was overjoyed when she found out that her local community had banded together to help her celebrate her 101st birthday.
Phyllis, who lives at Herald Lodge, was given VIP treatment from the moment she woke up on her special day.
The home’s regular hairdresser arrived in the morning to style Phyllis’ hair. She made sure Phyllis felt like a celebrity, and made sure she looked her best for the celebrations to come.
Joined by some of her fellow residents, Phyllis then enjoyed a morning of pampering before her birthday lunch, for which she requested a roast lamb dinner.
After thoroughly enjoying her meal, Phyllis was surprised with a cake, balloons and a huge amount of birthday cards. Local children from Hearsall Community Academy had each sent hand-made cards to the home, with special birthday messages.
Staff and residents at the home also presented Phyllis with a large bouquet of flowers, before inviting her favourite singer, Johnny Tarrino to sing some old favourites for her and her family. He said,
‘It’s always a pleasure to entertain the residents at Herald Lodge. I have known Phyllis for quite a few years now and it was an honour to sing at her 101st birthday.
‘She particularly loved my rendition of happy birthday as her cake was presented to her. Phyllis is a lovely lady and an inspiration to us all.’
Catherine Smith, the Regional Director at Herald Lodge, said,
‘Phyllis has been a big part of the Herald Lodge family for a long time now. It’s been a privilege to have celebrated both her 100th and 101st birthdays in the home, and the team have made such a great effort to give her a day she won’t forget.
‘Thank you to the Herald Lodge team and to everyone involved in making Phyllis’ birthday so special.’
As the day came to an end, Phyllis said she ‘had a very enjoyable day’ and felt ‘spoilt’. When asked what her secret to living to long life was, she said ‘good care and always being happy.’
Herald Lodge in Canley is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 42 ensuite bedrooms, it has landscaped gardens and a full and varied activities programme.
For more information, call 02476 713655, email herald.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk