Silver Surfer celebrates 109th birthday with Facebook friends

A care home on the Isle of Wight has helped one resident to celebrate her 109th birthday with friends and family.

Mrs Strugnell is the oldest surviving war widow, and was visited by Elaine Duggan of the War Widows Association during her birthday celebrations.

When asked what her secret to longevity was, Lily Strugnell championed: "Plenty of patience, hard work and plenty of will power."

Embracing modern technology, Mrs Strugnell also celebrated with over 300 friends on the social media site Facebook, from her own profile page which is updated regularly by her great granddaughter.

Karen Oliver, general manager at Barchester's Orchard House, where Mrs Strugnell has been a resident for one year, said: “I'm sure she will post a photo or two on Facebook to her more than 300 followers!

"Lily is an absolute joy to care for and always makes the staff smile. We are amazed by Lily's rich life stories and all of us at Orchard House feel it is a privilege to be part of her life and this very special celebration.”

Born the eldest of 11 siblings on 6 August 1904, Mrs Strugnell is now the head of five generations of her family, and is great great great grandmother to three.

Mrs Strugnell married in 1927 and had four children with her late husband Robert Strugnell. When her two daughters worked for a dance troop during World War II, Lily accompanied them by making costumes for the performances which took place in Southsea.

Embracing developments in travel as well as technology throughout her life, Mrs Strugnell witnessed the proliferation of aeroplane travel and boarded her first flight at the age of 70, where she flew to visit family members in South Africa.

Enjoying life as Orchard House’s oldest resident, Mrs Strugnell promised to put pictures of her birthday celebrations on facebook for her friends to see and enjoy.

Mrs Strugnell said: "It's been a wonderful day and I'm so happy that so many people have turned out to celebrate with me."