Celebrations were underway at HC-One’s Victoria Park care home in Stoke, Coventry as former Olympic swimmer Lilian Elsie Auckland turned 103 years old.
Born in Coventry on 20th January 1917, the year before World War 1 came to an end, Lilian went on to enjoy a career at Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft in Baginton.
Lilian married husband Walter and went on to have two sons, Barry and Richard, and their daughter Judith. Her family has since expanded as Lilian has become a grandmother of three and a great grandmother of two.
In her spare time, Lilian enjoyed an active lifestyle, playing hockey, netball and even competing in swimming at Olympic level in her younger years.
As a keen swimmer, Lilian was delighted to continue her love of swimming as a centenarian, as staff at Victoria Park took her for a swim at the local pool for her 101st birthday.
In addition to an active lifestyle, Lilian revealed that her secret to long life is a healthy diet and credits her youthful look to moisturizer.
Staff at Victoria Park arranged a special birthday party to mark Lilian’s big day, as she was joined by her loved ones to celebrate her big day.
Victoria Park was decorated with balloons and bunting as Lilian opened her presents and put on her sparkling tiara, before being presented with a beautiful homemade cake.
Patricia Alleyne, Home Manager at Victoria Park, said: “Lilian is a lovely lady who never fails to brighten up the day for her fellow Residents and staff here at Victoria Park. It was amazing to see Lilian smiling from ear to ear as she spent her special day with her nearest and dearest.
“Seeing Linda back in the swimming pool at the age of 101 was truly magnificent. She is an inspiration to all of her peers and I can’t wait to see what more she achieves in the future.”
Located on Brays Lane in Stoke, Victoria Park offers short and long term care packages for older members of the community needing residential care.