Homegrown vegetables are the secret to Brooklands resident’s long life on her 100th birthday

Homegrown vegetables and hard work are the secret to long life for a centenarian at Brooklands care home

Homegrown vegetables and hard work are the secret to long life for a centenarian at Brooklands care home.

Joyce celebrated her 100th birthday with her family at Brooklands Care Home, who prepared a special cake to mark the milestone and Joyce also received a card from Kings Charles III.

Joyce spent most of her life in Hellesdon where she married beloved husband Jim in 1948, and together they raised three children – two sons, Colin and David, and a daughter, Pearl.

The pair’s family grew to include five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom have been a source of great pride and joy for Joyce.

“Mum was a woman of huge energy and enthusiasm,” said son David.

“She was known for her love of a bargain, and would happily scour the shops to find the best deals.

“She also had a passion for travel, enjoying trips to abroad in the sunshine and took several trips to New York to visit her sisters.”

Joyce’s journey began at Hellesdon Secondary Modern, leaving school at age 14 to work in a local cake shop.

During her teenage years, Joyce also contributed to the war effort by undertaking weekly 120-mile commutes to London to make parachutes.

Joyce enjoyed gardening and credits her long life to hard work and eating plenty of homegrown vegetables from Jim’s allotment.

“Joyce is an incredible lady who has lived a life full of love, determination and joy,” said lifestyle coordinator Claudia Savill.

“It’s been a privilege to help celebrate her 100th birthday with her family who mean so much to her.”

Care home manager Helen Jackson added: “Reaching 100 is such a remarkable achievement, and it was wonderful to see Joyce surrounded by her loved ones.

“We know that she has been such an inspiration to her children and family so making a fuss of her on such a special day was the least we could do.”