‘You only die once’: Northampton woman celebrates 105th birthday at town centre pub with family despite coronavirus fears

A Northampton woman has celebrated her 105th birthday with afternoon tea, a glass of wine and a card from the Queen.

Ellen Matthews’ nieces, nephews and friends were invited to celebrate at a small gathering at the Edge of Town pub yesterday (March 17), organised by one of her carers Sue Farquharson and her son Ashley.

The 105-year-old, known to most of her family as ‘Auntie Nelly’, was unsure earlier in the week whether she should go ahead with the small gathering amid concerns surrounding coronavirus.

But Ellen, who says ‘she has seen it all in her time’ wanted the event to go ahead, adding ‘you only die once’.

Ellen had a long working life, including being a nurse for premature babies at Northampton General and then working in care homes for seven and a half years.

She said: “I worked with little babies and I worked with older people until they died.

“I saw them in and saw them out.”

Despite having a stroke and only having limited use of her right arm, Ellen still lives at home in Wootton.

She has carers who visit her three times a day who Ellen says ‘look after her very well’, but she often still manages to cook for herself.

Ellen added: “I have a very good appetite and I still manage to do little bits of cooking.

“I eat good food, loads of vegetables and I do enjoy a glass of wine.

“I have my faith, which is Church of England. When he chooses, I am going to go happily and at peace.”

When asked what her advice would be to help others live a long and happy life, she simply replied: “Keep going in the face of adversity.”

Ellen’s family reckon her sense of humour also played a part in keeping her going. They say she always keeps everyone amused.