This week Bluebird Care Leeds North is celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches an incredible milestone—Rona’s 100th birthday!
Rona has been supported by Bluebird Care Leeds North for over five years bringing smiles to the care team every day with her warmth and wit. She has lived a life filled with adventure, independence and a deep love for learning. Born and raised in Middlesbrough she moved to Leeds in her twenties settling in the beautiful victorian stone house where she still lives today.
A senior schoolteacher in science and drama, Rona inspired generations of students with her knowledge and passion for education. She was also a keen gardener, an avid National Trust member and a skilled bridge player always embracing life’s opportunities.
One of Rona’s most treasured childhood memories dates back to her time in London when she and her mother moved to Clapham Common while her mother trained as a Speech Therapist. As a young girl, she had the freedom to explore the city and fondly recalls visiting Buckingham Palace where she saw a young Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret playing in the gardens, a memory she still cherishes today.
Although she never married or had children Rona has always been surrounded by love. With no immediate family nearby her Bluebird Care Leeds North team has become her extended family ensuring she always feels cared for valued and celebrated.
Leading the celebrations with Rona is Jade Hart, Area Manager who has gone above and beyond to ensure Rona’s 100th birthday is super special. From shopping for personalised gifts and decorations to ensuring she received her special birthday card from King Charles Jade has meticulously planned a full week of celebrations leading up to Rona’s birthday.
Rona’s love of tradition and celebration is being honoured with balloons, birthday cake, a special tiara, a new outfit and sash and an abundance of gifts and heartfelt messages from Bluebird Care Experts old and new, neighbours and friends. Understanding Rona’s wishes Jade has ensured every detail is tailored to bring her joy. As Rona’s mobility has declined Jade even took the time to help her choose Christmas and birthday decorations that she could see and enjoy from her bed making sure she never misses out on the things she loves.
Area Manager, Jade Hart said,
It is an absolute honour to care for Rona. We all learn so much from her and she makes us laugh and smile every day. She’s an incredible woman who has lived through so much history and she loves to share her memories. Rona is such a humble woman, and she deserves every moment of this special celebration. Our entire team has come together to make sure she feels loved and cherished on this amazing milestone.
We asked Rona what her advice for a long and happy life was, she said,
I lost my father when I was a baby, so my mother bought me up. I believe it was her upbringing that taught me resilience and so I’m still here, well, I am with the help of you [Bluebird Care]. I don’t really know how I’ve got to this age, perhaps resilience is the key!
With daily surprises, visits from well-wishers and a community rallying around her Rona’s 100th birthday is not just a celebration of age, it’s a celebration of a life rich with experiences, wisdom and resilience.
Bluebird Care Leeds North is a multi-award winning home care and live in care company delivering premium quality person-centred home care that goes beyond support, it fosters genuine connections, companionship and a true sense of family. If you would like to find out more about we can support you or a loved one, you can contact us here.
