Care Home Resident Becomes The Third Oldest Person in Surrey As She Celebrates Her 109th Birthday

A Surrey care home resident has just celebrated her 109th birthday with friends and family.

Kathleen Shaw, the third oldest individual in Surrey (31st oldest in the UK), is a resident at Caring Homes’ Knowle Park Nursing Home in Cranleigh.

Originally from Grantham in Lincolnshire, Kathleen moved down to Surrey to become a secretary for the board of London Buses and has remained in the county ever since.

Kathleen spent her big day with fellow residents, and long-distance family and enjoyed some of her favourite foods; BBQ and cake!

Throughout the day, Kathleen was joined by loved ones including her son and grandchildren from America, as well as a live local performer, Alex Eberhard and a visit from the local vintage ice cream truck, Moooh!

Stating the secret to a long and healthy life is “eating broccoli and carrots”, Kathleen shared a few words about her birthday celebrations.

She said: “Everyone is so very kind and what a lovely day I am having. I can’t believe all this is for me!!”

Kathleen moved into Knowle Park Nursing Home back in July 2018, where she keeps herself busy and active. She enjoys a regular walk around the gardens of the home, watching The Chase and spending time with her loved ones.

Caring Homes’ Knowle Park home manager, Azaad Saumtally, said:
“Kathleen is such an elegant and kind individual and such an inspiration to everyone! To have just turned 109 years young and to still be so independent with such a positive attitude at her age is truly incredible. It just goes to show age is just a number.

“Throughout Kathleen’s big day, we were joined by several generations of her family and it was such a joy to have been a part of a wonderful occasion. From everyone at Knowle Park, we wish Kathleen the happiest of birthdays.”