Brunelcare’s Somerset Community Care Team is proud to celebrate the inspiring lives of five extraordinary centenarians under their care. Each of these individuals has surpassed the milestone of 100 years, a feat achieved by only 0.02% of the UK population.
Brunelcare, a charity with an 80-year history of supporting older people in the South West, currently cares for Harry and Betty, both 101 years old, Mary and Queenie, both 103 years old, and another Mary, who is 102 years old. Collectively, they have nine children, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Harry, 101, has received care from Brunelcare for over five years. A former Air Force member and Clarks employee, Harry attributes his longevity to staying active and self-care. Despite outliving all three of his children, he cherishes his four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He said: “I really enjoy my care visits from Brunelcare. I rely on the carers for everything. Richard, my carer, is fantastic and knows exactly what I need.”
Queenie, 103, began her care journey with Brunelcare last year. Her life included various roles such as farm worker, factory worker, and community servant. Queenie, who has two daughters, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, credits her long life to hard work and good nutrition. “I survived bombings during WWI and was one of twelve siblings growing up,” she said. Queenie married her husband, Harry, at 21 after meeting him at 19.
Betty, 101, has been under Brunelcare’s watch for nearly a decade. A former shorthand secretary, Betty believes her longevity is due to self-care, good health, and faith. She has three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. “My carers have become good friends. I can rely on them, feel comfortable, and most importantly, I feel safe with them. I look forward to my daily visits,” Betty expressed.
Mary, 102, the longest customer at Brunelcare, has been receiving care for almost ten years. With a background in the Air Force and office work, Mary attributes her age to the good deeds she has done throughout her life.
Mary, also known as Betty, at 103, started receiving care from the charity over four years ago. She believes that maintaining independence has been crucial to her longevity. A former factory worker who made aeroplane parts, she has one son, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. “Brunelcare helps me to remain independent and supports me with the tasks I struggle to get done,” she said.
Brunelcare’s dedication and support have been instrumental in helping these remarkable individuals thrive well into their centenarian years.
