Marjorie Hodnett Aylward, affectionately known as 'Aunt Marj', celebrated her 112th birthday on Wednesday(Image: UGC)
A woman believed to be the oldest person in the North West, and the fifth oldest in the UK, has celebrated her 112th birthday at a care home in Formby. Marjorie Hodnett Aylward, affectionately known as 'Aunt Marj', marked the milestone on Wednesday, April 1, at Formby Manor on Liverpool Road, where she has lived for the past six years.
A much-loved resident, Aunt Marj received more than 200 birthday cards from well-wishers, including a special message from the King, which was proudly displayed alongside greetings from across the country.
Her birthday was celebrated with a small tea party featuring some of her favourite treats, including cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake, cups of tea and a glass of sherry. Family members also sang a selection of her favourite songs during the celebration.
A homemade Madeira cake, prepared by the care home's head chef, was among the highlights of the day, before Aunt Marj joined staff and fellow residents in a game of "Who Am I?".
Born in London, Aunt Marj later moved to Wembley, where she met her first husband, Stanley, in 1939. The couple married in 1941 and later settled in Harrow after the Second World War. Following Stanley's death in 1955, she married his brother Hugh the following year, but was widowed again in 1958.
She later moved to Sidbury in Devon, where she worked as a reception class teacher for 23 years. Among her earliest memories are air raids during the First World War, and she also recalls singing at the opening ceremony of the 1948 Olympics in London.
Aunt Marj eventually moved to Formby to be closer to family, and is regularly visited by her niece and great-niece. She remains active, enjoying reading, writing poetry and painting, and continues to follow current affairs.
An avid rugby fan, she supports Exeter Chiefs and credits her long life to a positive outlook. Speaking on her birthday, she said: "I really did not expect to get to 112 but am delighted to be here and have so much to celebrate.
"Life is for living and it is up to you to make the most of it. I believe that you should do all the good that you can, by all the means that you can, in all the ways that you can, in all the places that you can, to all the people that you can, as long as ever you can."
She added: "If you aim to follow those rules, you can't go too far wrong."
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