Celebrations were in full swing at HC-One’s The Willows care home in Hinckley as war veteran Tom Sansome turned 100 years old.
Born on 22nd September 1918, Tom grew up in Orton Square, Hinckley, with his parents and sister, Thelma.
Despite beginning his career in the boot and shoe industry, before training as a butcher, much of Tom’s early adult life was spent serving the Leicestershire Regiment during World War 2.
While serving in Malaya, Tom was captured following the fall of Singapore and was held as a Far Eastern Prisoner of War for three and a half years. During this time, Tom was an inmate of the notorious Changi Prisoner of War Camp and worked as a slave clearing the jungle for the Burma ‘Death’ Railway.
Following the war, Tom married his late wife Peggy and went on to have six children, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and even two great great grandsons.
Tom later went on to marry wife Alma, before he retired and moved into The Willows care home.
When asked what his secret is to a long and happy life, Tom said: “I took life as it came, loved cycling and going out with friends. In other words making sure I had a good time whatever I did!”
Tom was delighted to celebrate his special day at The Willows with a surprise visit from his former colleagues in his regiment, as well as the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Lynda Hodgkins.
Loved ones joined Tom for his 100th birthday celebrations as he was presented with cards, flowers and a special card from the Queen.
Anna Nowak, Home Manager at The Willows, said: “At HC-One, we make every effort to ensure our Residents celebrate their special occasions in the best way possible.
“Tom is a lovely gentleman and such an inspiration to the whole team at The Willows, as well as his fellow Residents. We were so proud to share such a special moment of Tom’s life surrounded by his family and friends.”
Located on London Road, The Willows offers short and long term care packages for older members of the community needing residential and residential dementia care.