Roy Wilkins born in 1924, celebrated his 100th birthday with a party on ward C24 at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s Queen’s Medical Centre.
Roy’s family had organised a party at a local venue but had to change plans when he ended up in hospital almost two weeks ago. The ward staff let the family host a party in the dayroom to celebrate the milestone.
Roy had these words of wisdom to share: “The secret to living to 100 is to just keep going. I don’t drink or smoke which helps.”
Roy moved to Nottingham as a child where he met and married his wife Mavis. He still lives on his own in Beeston and is looking forward to going home soon.
Five generations of Roy’s family attended the party which had lots of balloons, cake, banners and buffet.
Roy was presented with a birthday cake by granddaughter Teresa Hill-Daykin, an Assistant Nursing Practitioner at QMC, and grandson Darren.
Teresa said: “It’s been a bit of a workup as he’s not been well but he’s getting there now and hopefully he’ll be going home in the next few days with a bit of luck.
“He loves walking around Beeston, he chats to everyone and anyone. He doesn’t drink and he doesn’t smoke. He’s still going and he still has all his faculties.
“He didn’t realise we were arranging all this. We did have a party booked for him. Very luckily for us C24 came up trumps and allowed us to use their dayroom which has been really good. The hospital has been brilliant, they’ve given us trays of sandwiches – it’s just really nice.”
Roy received lots of cards, including seven duplicates and one from His Royal Highness, King Charles. He also received a new dressing gown which he put on straight away.
Chief Nurse Tracy Pilcher and Tracey Noble the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead also attended the celebrations. Tracy said: “It was wonderful seeing all the staff and his family come together to organise a party on the ward. I want to wish Roy the happiest of birthdays!”
Roy’s daughter Gloria said: “It’s wonderful. I never thought he’d be here still. His mum was still riding her bike at 92 so it runs in the family. I hope I get there!”
In a toast, his grandson Darren said: “This isn’t what we had planned but it’s turned out very very good. The right people are here family and friends. We love you lots Grandad, you’re amazing. Happy 100th birthday.”
Happy 100th birthday Roy from everyone at NUH.
