A no-nonsense former nurse, 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 the intrepid centenarian, who is heading to Holland on a river cruise next month, explained how it is the enduring love of her husband David (90) – combined with down-to-earth support of local social care staff – that keeps the wind in her sails.
“Family is everything and David, is my rock. The love we have keeps us both young!” beamed Edna.
Edna – who met David at a Scottish Country dancing class in London over 60 years ago – regularly attends Day Services at Stonehouse Lifestyles.
Run by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, the service aims to keep people requiring support active, involved and stimulated. The Service is also geared to reducing loneliness and isolation and providing a break for carers.
Staff recently laid on a special 101 birthday celebration to mark the occasion.
“As a nurse all my working life, and during the testing times of war, I was always focussed on providing care,” London-born Edna explained.
“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 god-send 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.
“Huge credit to our Day Service staff at Stonehouse Lifestyles for the effort invested in making this such a special event for the couple.
“It was great to see service users from across the area, and indeed generations, come together to celebrate with them.”
Mr Sengupta added: “This was another reminder of the vital role that our exemplary social care staff are playing in supporting people to live out incredible lives right across the communities of South Lanarkshire.”
Deputy Lieutenant Janet Low, representing the King, also attended the celebrations.
This was a second party for Edna, the first one was on the actual day of her birthday in Newcastle for a wider family celebration.
A caring WWII nurse – not to be reckoned with!
Edna’s Day Services key worker is Angela Alexander, who regularly gets insight into a life-less-ordinary.
Angela said: “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 staff for all they do.”
