A 100-year-old care home resident has shared her secret to a long and happy life.
Patricia Rogers, who lives at Care UK's Mountfitchet House in Stansted, celebrated her 100th birthday on October 3 with her family, residents, and staff.
The centenarian, known as Pat, was born in Leytonstone and grew up in Newham.
She left school at 15 when the Second World War broke out and went to work at Briggs Garage, part of the Ford Motor Company, for three years before serving in the British Liberation Army.
At the end of the war, Pat was stationed in Germany to communicate with ministers in Downing Street.
She was awarded four medals for her service across Europe and received a medal from Princess Anne, which was given to only 100 women in the country.
Reflecting on her happy years, Pat shared her secret to living a long life: "Never do as you are told, unless you want to or feel it’s right."
To make Pat's birthday memorable, the team at Mountfitchet House threw her a special party complete with an Elvis tribute singer and a birthday cake specially made by the home’s head chef.
Pat said: "I had the most wonderful day with family and friends, and I'd like to thank everybody who made my day extra special.
"The highlight, of course, was singing alongside Elvis all afternoon.
"I'm still in shock that I'm 100, but I'm already looking forward to inviting Elvis back for next year's celebrations."
Mountfitchet House provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care, including space for hobby and leisure activities and its own cinema, hair salon, and café.
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Gina Graves, suite manager at Mountfitchet House, said: "We love to throw a party for special occasions at Mountfitchet House – and Pat’s 100th birthday certainly called for a huge celebration.
"It was wonderful to see Pat surrounded by all her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone.
"The team worked tirelessly to make sure her day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Pat."
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