'Bright and fit' 105-year-old celebrates milestone birthday and reveals her secret to a long life

A local woman who has been described as 'bright and fit' has celebrated her 105th birthday during lockdown.

Edna Thompson who lives at St John's Residential Home in Wellingborough Road, Weston Favell, reached the milestone on May 29.

Despite lockdown restrictions meaning Edna was not allowed visitors, staff at the home still managed to make the day special with a small party and cake.

Member of staff at St John's, Sandra Newton, said: "Although Edna’s birthday was during lockdown and no visitors and family were able to be present, the weather was beautiful and staff were able to join Edna outside in the grounds to celebrate her special day with cake and a small party.

"Edna said she had such a lovely day that ‘the Queen couldn’t have treated her any better.'"

Edna grew up in Oadby in Leicester and moved to Northampton with her husband in 1942. She has been a resident at St John’s Home since 2015, moving in a few months after her 100th birthday.

Sandra added: "Edna is a very bright, fit and independent lady, and when asked the secret to her longevity said that she doesn’t drink or smoke, has lived a simple life with plenty of walking, and whatever life has thrown at her she just gets on with it.

"She also said that if she had received £5 for every time that someone asked her the question, she would be a very rich lady."

Edna is thrilled with her telegram from the Queen, which has now been framed and mounted on the wall in her room, along with the one for her 100th birthday.

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