Lilian better known as Lil Hollinshead, a resident at HC-One's Dovedale Court Care Home in Wednesbury, West Midlands, celebrated her 102
nd birthday on the 17
th March. Lilian received an outpouring of love from across the world, including over 2,000 cards from well-wishers from far and wide.
The celebrations were made possible through the efforts of the home’s activity team, who launched social media and newspaper appeals for birthday cards. The response was truly overwhelming with Lilian receiving over 2,000 cards from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Scotland, and Ireland as well as seven bags, over 30 bouquets of flowers and an assortment of Teddy Bears gifted to her.
Lilian loves having a cup of tea and gossip with friends. She also likes attending church. Lilian used to work for Sir Alfred Allen at a factory in Wednesbury that made tiny gloves.
Lilian celebrated her 102
nd birthday across a week of fun filled activities and events including a special visit from her local MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, Antonia Bance on Thursday 12
th March and a visit from West Midlands Police and Fire Service on Friday 13
th March.
On the morning of Lilian’s birthday itself on Monday 17
th March, a special birthday cake delivery from Heavenly Bakes was dropped off at the home and Lilian took a trip on the minibus to visit her old childhood house and then went to Forge Mill Farm to pet some animals.
Upon returning to the home in the afternoon, St John’s Bosco Primary School Choir visited to see Lilian and sing to her ‘Happy Birthday’; children from St Mary’s Primary School came to the home to have afternoon tea with Lilian and local singer, Yvonne Cooper came in to perform and serenade Lilian with her favourite songs.
Following her birthday taking place, Lilian’s birthday celebrations continued as on Tuesday 18
th March, Morecroft Primary School Choir made a special visit to the home to sing Lilian ‘Happy Birthday’ and drop off some birthday cards to her and later on in the afternoon local singer, Becky Gee came into the home to sing Lilian some of her favourite songs. To end the birthday celebrations, fourteen residents from Walsall College came to the home to provide a pamper party session for Lilian and her friends to enjoy.
The highlight of Lilian’s birthday was the team at the care home helping make Lilian’s birthday wishes come true by taking her to visit her old childhood house in Westbury Avenue in Wednesbury, where she used to live growing up and has fond memories. Afterwards, the team made Lilian’s second wish come true by taking her to Forge Mill Farm in West Bromwich to pet animals.
HC-One care homes nationwide contributed to making Lilian’s day memorable, sending handmade cards and thoughtful gifts.
When asked about any special memories she has from over the past century and her secret to a long life, Lilian Hollinshead, commented:
“I’ve lived a long and fulfilling life filled with lots of memories, happiness and joy.
“My secret to living a long life is taking care of yourself and help those who can’t help themselves.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has took the time to pass on their birthday well wishes through sending me birthday cards and gifts, thank you! Your kindness and generosity mean so much to me.”
Dawn Allen, Home Manager at HC-One’s Dovedale Court Care Home, said:
"We’re delighted to be celebrating an amazing lady as she reaches this astounding milestone.
“Lilian is such a character and popular amongst our residents. She’s always keeping our colleagues and residents entertained with the stories she tells. Thank you to everyone for their kind gestures and to our amazing team for helping make Lilian’s birthday wishes come true."