101 Year-Old Celebrates Birthday with Help of Local Schoolchildren

A choir of primary schoolchildren has helped an Ely care home resident celebrate her 101st birthday, presenting her with handmade cards and singing Happy Birthday.

Lily Hale, who has lived at Lily House care home in Ely for six years, was joined by pupils from Isle of Ely Primary School and family members to celebrate the momentous birthday.

After receiving dozens of cards and a rendition of Happy Birthday from the schoolchildren, Lily and her family enjoyed an afternoon tea.

Lily’s daughter, Sandra Cutter, said:
“Thank you to the wonderful staff at Lily House, and the children of Ely, for helping to make my mum’s 101st birthday so special. It’s brilliant that everyone has made such a fuss of her and made sure she has a wonderful day.”

Kerry Clifton, Lily House manager, said:
“We take pride in making sure all of our residents have great birthdays, but it’s not every day some turns 101 so we knew we had to make it extra special. Some of her family have made the trip from overseas to celebrate with her and I’m pleased that along with Isle of Ely Primary School, we have been able to mark the day with such fanfare.”

Bryony Surtees, head at Isle of Ely Primary, said:
“The children love visiting Lily House and spending time with residents. It’s a great learning opportunity for them and the residents are always so happy to see them.

“We used Lily’s birthday as an opportunity to teach them all about some of the world events that she lived through over the last 101 years. Each has designed their own card for Lily and they were so excited to come along to present them to her and sing Happy Birthday.”