A woman celebrated her 100th birthday with a unique gesture from the Band of the Household Cavalry.

Gladys. a resident at Avocet Court nursing home, fulfilled a long-held dream without leaving her care home.

Instead of travelling to London to see the prestigious guard unit, they came to her in the form of a personal video.

The birthday lady's surprise was organised by the staff at Athena Care Homes.

Although she had never made the trip to the metropolitan city to see the guards and their horses, her birthday was made unforgettable through this unusual event.

Born and raised in Stowmarket, she had spent her life working in a greengrocer's shop and contributing to her community.

Avocet Court hospitality services manager Hayley Halsall said: “We wanted to make the day special for Gladys and love to make our residents wishes come true.

"When we discovered a member of the team had a brother in the Household Guards we decided to try and pull a few strings and the result was wonderful.

“Gladys was really touched to hear Happy Birthday played for her and to get some messages from the guardsmen and women.”

Alongside her late husband, the centenarian had lived a self-sufficient lifestyle, raising animals and growing vegetables.

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They even made their own wine, and some attribute her longevity to her daily glass of wine.

Since February 2023, she has been a resident of Avocet Court where she engages in activities and enjoys the company of fellow residents.

Her daily investment in the community and vibrant spirit make her a valued member of the care home community.

Athena Care Homes has been running Avocet Court since January 2019 and is ranked good by the Care Quality Commission.