Harrogate woman celebrates 103rd birthday

A Harrogate woman celebrated her 103rd birthday last weekend.

Phyllis Elldrige, who is a resident at Manor House care home, on Cornwall Road, was born on November 18 1920, in Hampshire.

Phyllis worked as a nurse and trained in infectious diseases, before moving to the North in the 1950s and working in a handicap hospital in Wetherby.

Ann Lazenby, manager of Phyllis’ ward, told the Stray Ferret Phyllis initially went to Manor House for a two-week respite period in early 2022, but “enjoyed the company so much” she decided to stay.

Ms Lazeby added:

“She was walking up until six months ago. She was even doing her washing just before she came to us.”

Phyllis, who is the oldest resident in the care home, marked the occasion with a party.

Residents and staff gathered to enjoy a Bettys-themed afternoon tea and a singer to entertain them all.

Phyllis’s children, who are now in their 70s, live in Australia but visited her a few weeks prior to her birthday to celebrate.

Ms Lazenby added:

“Phyllis is very comical, very loving and very caring.

“It is an honour to care for her.”

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