Carers make it a happy 100th
RUTH Redpath’s carers may have been furloughed, but that didn’t stop them throwing her the birthday party of the century. Ruth, from Wooler in Northumberland, lives alone and has been isolating during the lockdown. Staff from Bell Vue Day Care, in Northumberland, had initially planned a huge party for Ruth but this was sadly scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite being on furlough, Ruth’s carers wanted to still make sure her 100th birthday was extra special.
So last Tuesday, they donned their uniforms and went to Ruth’s house to surprise her with a cake and gifts. And Ruth, who attends the centre twice a week, was over the moon to see their faces on her special day.
She said: “It was marvellous everybody is so kind. I absolutely adore Bell Vue and I miss it so much. They are wonderful people.
“I’m very happy. Determination,
well-being and always staying happy has helped me live to 100.”
Always known for being in a good mood, Ruth never had children but is very close to her nieces Muriel, Janet and Catherine, who visit often.
Ruth is still fit and healthy but is extremely hard of hearing and blind, although this does not stop her from spreading joy to those around her.
Hand in hand with her carer, Carol Nesbit, who works for Cheviot Care Limited who visit Ruth three times per day, Ruth came to her doorstep for her 100th birthday party.
Although the two-metre social distancing rule makes it difficult for Ruth to hear everyone, Carol was on hand to explain the celebrations.
Ruth was delighted to receive a card from the Queen in the post and Bell Vue staff presented her a princess tiara whilst giving her a birthday cake, banner and a silver brooch.
Bell Vue Day Care’s Centre manager, Val Kelly, said: “What an amazing lady. She’s an absolute joy to have at Bell View and it was amazing to see her, she was happy to see us all and we just wanted to make her day special.
“Ruth is full of life and always cheerful and jolly.
“She calls me granny even though I’m 68 and she’s 100.
“She always gives everyone a hug when she comes in the morning and she’s such a happy, easy-going lady who loves life.
“As she is extremely hard of hearing and unable to hear very well on the phone, we’ve been making sure we stay in touch with her throughout lockdown by sending her letters and paying social distancing visits to her.”