With visiting restrictions in place, our team at Hope House Care Home in Clayton-le-Moors were even more determined to go the extra-mile for resident Kathleen Blakeley’s 101st birthday.
Although the restrictions on visiting our homes are designed to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff members, we understand that it is difficult for our residents and families to be apart on special days, such as birthdays.
To mark her incredible milestone, our staff organised a garden party, complete with party food and socially distanced singer. Throughout the day, Kathleen opened her cards, presents and flowers while being serenaded by some of her favourite songs and enjoying some of her favourite snacks.
On her big day, Kathleen was also surprised by staff members and fellow residents as they wore an array of fancy-dress costumes featuring some of the most iconic celebrities and fashion trends from each decade of her life.
Kathleen was born in Blackburn in 1919 and began her working life as a baker and confectioner when she was only 14 years old. At her work, she specialised in decorating wedding cakes before later getting married herself. During her 33 years of marriage, she had a daughter and a son before the passing of her husband.
Kathleen also worked as a cook at Blackburn College for 20 years before retiring at the age of 65. Since her retirement, Kathleen has devoted her life to her three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also enjoys reading and knitting and is rarely seen without a book or knitting needles in her hands at the home.
Kathleen has been described as a “wonderful character” by staff at the care home in Clayton-le-Moors, who couldn’t wait to present her with her cards and flowers on her big day.
Kathleen’s daughter, Patricia Worsley, was thrilled with the gesture and thanked the team for all they had done to make her mother’s birthday so special. Patricia said; “Thank you so much to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to help my mother enjoy and celebrate her birthday. I can’t thank the carers at Hope House enough for all their help over the past year.”
On behalf of everyone here at Larchwood, we hope you had a wonderful day, Kathleen!
