Care Centre Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday In Style After Beating COVID-19

A resident at Princess Christian Care Centre in Surrey celebrated her 100th birthday in style last week, with her home organising a day full of surprises to mark the occasion – including an extra special equine visitor!

The home, which is part of the family-run care group Nellsar, arranged a very memorable day for resident Joyce Tofts, who had extra reason to celebrate this year having recently beaten COVID-19.

Turning 100 on 27th October, Joyce started the day with a head-to-toe pamper session in the home’s salon, where she was able to have her hair, makeup and nails done. After her glamorous makeover, Joyce was escorted down a specially-laid red carpet to a table of presents, cards, balloons and a bouquet of flowers from her fellow residents and care staff, before receiving a socially-distanced visit with a difference!

Having joked with her carers that she hoped to receive a pony for her birthday, staff at the home went about fulfilling Joyce’s birthday wish in the best way that they could! Reaching out to members of the public via social media for help, the home was able to arrange a surprise pony visit, which saw local resident Lisa Dahar bring her pony, Honey, to wish Joyce a very happy birthday. Joyce was absolutely delighted with the surprise and, after being treated to copious amounts of carrots, it’s safe to say Honey enjoyed herself too!

The excitement didn’t stop there though, with Joyce receiving her telegram from the Queen shortly after Honey’s visit, and celebrating even further with a gigantic, 2-tier chocolate birthday cake made by the home’s Head Chef Cosmin Cristea. Joyce enjoyed sharing her stunning cake with her fellow residents and care staff.

Speaking of her day, Joyce said: “I’ve had a wonderful day! I feel very lucky and grateful to the carers for everything that they’ve organised for me. I wish it could be my birthday every day!”

Mario Taherian, Home Manager at Nellsar’s Princess Christian Care Centre, said: “Joyce had a difficult start to the year when she tested positive for COVID-19, so we wanted to make sure her birthday celebrations were extra special, especially with it being a milestone birthday as well. It was wonderful to be a part of and to see how excited and happy she was throughout the day.”