A no-nonsense former nurse from South Lanarkshire, who cared for injured troops in WWII, has revealed the secret of a long life – on her 101st birthday.
Keen traveller and worldly-wise Edna Twivey from Strathaven continues to live independently and enjoy overseas travel, having recently returned from a Scandinavian cruise, and has told about how it is the enduring love of her husband David, 90, that keeps the wind in her sails.
The pair met at a Scottish country dancing class in London over 60 years ago.
She said: “Family is everything, and David is my rock. The love we have keeps us both young.”
Edna regularly attends Day Services at Stonehouse Lifestyles run by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, which aims to keep people requiring support active, involved and stimulated.
The staff recently laid on a special 101 birthday celebration to mark the occasion.
Enda added: “As a nurse all my working life, and during the testing times of war, I was always focused on providing care.
“Now the tables have turned. I’m a recipient of support, and benefitting from the added reassurance of being connected to a community in Strathaven and here in Stonehouse.
“The Service really has been a godsend, and the party that’s been laid on is typical of the thoughtfulness of staff and fellow service users here.”
Amongst those invited, Provost Margaret Cooper said: "It was an absolute pleasure to meet Edna and a joy to be able to spend part of her special day with her. It was obvious how well thought-of she is by all the service users and staff at Stonehouse Lifestyles.
“David is absolutely devoted to her, and that was lovely to see as well. Congratulations to Edna."
Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire said: “Edna and David’s zest for life is truly infectious.
“It was great to see service users from across the area, and indeed generations, come together to celebrate with them.”
This was a second party for Edna, with the first being on the actual day of her birthday in Newcastle for a wider family celebration.
Edna’s Day Services key worker is Angela Alexander, who regularly gets insight into a life-less-ordinary, and she added: “During WWII Edna nursed in a London hospital. She reminisces how she would not stand for any of the soldiers’ misbehaviour and would scold them and sternly order them back to bed! Of course, they did as they were told.”
Angela added: “Edna will say to staff, ‘I used to do the same job as you and now it’s my turn to be looked after’.
“She is always very appreciative and will frequently thank the staff for all they do.”
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