Second World War nurse celebrates 100th birthday and reveals her secret to longevity

She was joined by family, friends and the caring team at Radbrook Nursing Home to celebrate the milestone with cupcakes and tea, and plenty of balloons.

Irene is the eldest of two sisters and trained as a nurse and physiotherapist.

During WWII Irene nursed injured soldiers returning from the frontline in hospitals in Liverpool and Chester, and she vividly recalls the relentless task of erecting and removing the blackout blinds from all the windows.

Irene married her husband Pip in 1963 and the couple lived in Louth, Lincolnshire where they raised their children. Irene had a daughter and four stepchildren and was also Mayoress of Louth twice in 1964 and 1972 and served as a councillor for Lincolnshire County Council. 

Additionally, she had her own nursing home, physio clinic and worked as a night sister at The Royal Salop Infirmary after the family moved to Shrewsbury.

Revealing her secret to living for so long, Irene said: "I have certainly had a busy and varied life. I am not sure what the secret to reaching 100 is, but I think a regular glass of Sherry must have helped.

"I’ve always enjoyed a party and the team here at Radbrook has gone out of their way to throw a wonderful one for me and make my birthday a truly memorable day."

Irene has two grandchildren and an 18-month-old great-grandson called Milo.

Her husband, Pip, sadly died in 2012.

Radbrook home manager, Sarah Parker added: "It has been a privilege to join Irene and her family in marking her incredible milestone birthday. She is a popular and much-loved member of the Radbrook family and we all enjoyed celebrating and raising a glass to her."