Surrey care home resident becomes third oldest person in county at age of 109

A care home resident who is said to be the third oldest individual in Surrey and 31st oldest in the UK has celebrated her 109th birthday and says the secret to a long life is "eating broccoli and carrots".

Kathleen Shaw celebrating her 109th birthday. Credit: Caring Homes.

Kathleen Shaw, a resident at Knowle Park Nursing Home was born on 4 August 1913. Originally from Grantham in Lincolnshire, Ms Shaw moved down to Surrey to become a secretary for the board of London Buses and has remained in the county ever since.

Stating the secret to a long and healthy life is “eating broccoli and carrots”, Ms Shaw shared a few words about her birthday celebrations and said: “Everyone is so very kind and what a lovely day I am having. I can’t believe all this is for me.”

Ms Shaw moved into Knowle Park 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.

Ms Shaw spent the day with her fellow residents and her family including her son and grandchildren from America.

During the day, she enjoyed a BBQ and cake and listened to a live local performer, Alex Eberhard.

Azaad Saumtally, Knowle Park home manager 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.”

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