Eileen Leighton celebrated turning 100 on 9th September with a special party at Cherry Garth care home in Holmer Green alongside family and fellow residents.

Eileen was born in Wandsworth and later lived in both Ealing and Hillingdon. During her childhood she was fortunate enough to travel and see new places across the UK as her father worked for the railways. She has fond memories of going to the seaside at Bognor Regis and particularly enjoyed the fact that it was a favourite spot visited by the royal family.

When Elieen left school she worked in accounts and administration at JD Williams near St Paul’s Cathedral. She met her late husband Sydney at a dance and she has very happy memories of their courtship and time together.

Her family joined her to mark her milestone birthday and raise a toast to her. When asked about the secret to a long and happy life, Eileen said that her parents taught her to be polite, to be kind to others and treat them well.

Eileen also maintains that being active and having a sense of humour is important in life. When she and Sydney were courting they bought a tandem bicycle. One of her favourite songs to this day is “Daisy Daisy” as it brings back memories of packing a picnic and heading out to the countryside for the day together. Her interest in cycling hasn’t waned as she was very recently involved in launching The Road Worlds for Seniors Championship - a ‘virtual’ cycling event to celebrate the importance of active, healthy living.

Kelly Hartley, manager of Cherry Garth, said:

Eileen is a much loved resident here at Cherry Garth and has a lot of friends. We were thrilled to help her celebrate becoming a centenarian, and wish her many happy returns!