Weston 'baby' doctors thought would die turns 99 years old

When David Thompson arrived in the world on 10 weeks early on October 10, 1925, the doctor present did not give him long. In fact, they were so sure that the baby would not survive that they wrote ‘Died’ on their notes for his birth, much to the distress of his mother, Gertrude.

However, her 17-year-old sister, Margaret Read, wasn’t having any of it, saying crossly “I won’t let him die!”, as family lore has it.

According to Margaret’s own daughter, Barbara Bonner-Morgan, the young woman lined a shoebox with cotton wool, the perfect size for the 2lb baby boy. She then set about feeding him using the ink dropper from a fountain pen.

To the delight of Gertrude and her husband, William, David defied the doctor’s gloomy prediction, and they were soon crossing out their note and writing ‘Alive’.

David has led a long and happy life, defying the delivering doctor's gloomy prediction. (Image: Barbara Bonner-Morgan) David Thompson celebrates his 99th birthday, surrounded by his family. (Image: Barbara Bonner-Morgan) David cuts his birthday cake, with the help of granddaughter Donna Thompson. (Image: Barbara Bonner-Morgan) David grew up at Church Farm in Weston. He was part of a prolific farming family, being one of 52 maternal cousins who all either became farmers or else married them.

David, too, became a farmer, running Homestead Farm in Weston for many years. In his later years, he lived Worlingham.

The only health issues to effect David were his short-sightedness and a stammer, which he overcame as a young man.

David became a fine pianist with a love for Chopin and played the organ at churches in Weston and Ellough.

Later, he married Pat and welcomed a son and two daughters. David was devoted to Pat, to whom he was married for 50 years, caring for her for ore than 30 years after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Having moved to the Beccles Care Home earlier this year, David celebrated his birthday with his family around him.

He is, said his cousin Barbara, Margaret’s daughter, “an amazing, amazing man”.

“My mother nicknamed him Saint David, on because of his extraordinary goodness,” she said.