Oldest Race for Life participant and Prince George Duke of Kent Court resident turns 105

A resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 105th birthday.

To mark the special milestone, resident Annie Hardy enjoyed a fish and chips birthday lunch, and celebrations throughout the week with her family, friends and staff at the Home.

Anne received a cake, a card from King Charles III, cards from family and friends, and flowers.

Annie was born on 16 June 1919 in Rotherhithe. When the Second World War broke out, she accompanied her younger siblings to go and live with family in Wales. However, Annie returned to London to take her chances. She worked in a munitions factory, making bombs for the British army. When the war was over, Annie worked in the print and bookbinding industry until she retired almost 40 years ago.

Annie recalls her childhood fondly, having fun with her six siblings and visiting pie and mash shops in Rotherhithe and Tower Bridge Road. Annie has had a good family and circle of friends, with whom she travelled around the world. She has been to Brazil, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain, and enjoyed a trip on Concorde around the Bay of Biscay with champagne when she turned 80.

Last year, Annie took part in the Cancer Research’s Race for Life in Blackheath alongside her fellow residents and staff members. The event organisers welcomed her and mentioned she was the oldest participant in the race at 104 years old.

Resident Annie Hardy was the oldest participant at the Cancer Research’s Race for Life in Blackheath in 2023

Annie has lived at Prince George Duke of Kent Court since 2018. Her secret to having a long and happy life? Annie simply says:

Good home-cooked food, keeping busy, working hard… and no debts.

[Summary: Oldest Race for Life participant and Prince George Duke of Kent Court resident, Annie Hardy turns 105.]