100th birthday celebration for Tyneside centenarian

A TYNESIDE centenarian has celebrated her 100^th birthday with a big bash at her care home – joined by family and friends for the occasion.

Dorothy Fawcett, who was born and raised in Hebburn, enjoyed live entertainment and a specially made cake at her party at Willowdene Care Home, Victoria Road West, Hebburn.

More than 30 guests joined her for the day, including her son, Peter, and his wife Denise, granddaughter Andrea, cousins Glynis and Trevor Davey, niece Beverley Yui, and cousin June Dods.

Staff and residents at the care home also helped her celebrate, enjoying fifties and sixties classics from Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, performed by Trevor Park.

Dorothy also received dozens of birthday cards, including a card from HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Dorothy said: “Isn’t this lovely. You’ve all done so much for me.”

Peter said: “I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know there would be a party buffet and a live entertainer. I can’t thank the team enough for making it a very special day for my mum.”

Dorothy was born 31^st October 1923. She met her late husband, James, at the Tyne Dock shipyards, where he was employed as a metal worker.

Jim, as he was known, and Dorothy married near the end of the Second World War, in 1945, and had three children. Dorothy worked as an engraver before becoming a housewife to raise their children.

Jim passed away in 2002 and Dorothy eventually moved to Willowdene Care Home in October 2022.

Asked her secret to a long life, she said: “Just be happy.”

Fiona McKiddie, home manager at Willowdene Care Home, said: “Dorothy is a wonderful lady and we wanted to throw her a big celebration for her 100^th birthday.

“A hundred years of age is a remarkable achievement and we wanted to mark the occasion with her friends and family, with live entertainment, a buffet produced by our amazing kitchen team, and a special cake.

“Happy birthday to Dorothy from everyone at Willowdene Care Home.”