Hope House Resident Celebrates 101st Birthday

A resident at Hope House care home based in Clayton-le-Moors, has celebrated her 101st birthday.

Kathleen Blakeley marked the day with a garden party at the Lancashire-based care home, complete with social distanced singer and party food. On her special day, she was also surprised by staff from the home who wore fancy-dress costumes from each decade of her life.

Kathleen was born in Blackburn in 1919 and began her working life as a baker and confectioner, aged just 14. Coming from a family of five, she specialised in decorating wedding cakes before getting married herself. She had a daughter and a son with her husband who passed away after a happy 33 year-long marriage.

Kathleen spent the last 20 years of her working life at Blackburn College as a cook before retiring at the age of 65. After her retirement, Kathleen devoted her life to her three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, knitting and gardening – she took great pride in her garden and could not settle on an evening until it was immaculate.

Kathleen said that she believes the recipe for long life is hard work, determination and the love of family and friends.

Staff at the care home have described her as a “wonderful character” and expressed their delight at being able to celebrate her special milestone with her.

Cathy Yates, home manager at Hope House, stated: “Kathleen is an amazing person who deserves to enjoy and celebrate this special day. It has been a privilege to get to know Kathleen over the last year.”

Kathleen’s daughter, Patricia Worsley, praised staff at the home for giving their mother a day to remember. Patricia said: “Thank you so much to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to help my mother enjoy and celebrate her birthday. I can’t thank the carers at Hope House enough for all their help over the past year.”

Hope House is part of Larchwood Care and is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions. The care home is currently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. Across the Larchwood portfolio, the regulator ratings reflect the exceptionally high standards of care given and the drive of every team member to continually improve the care they give.