Larchwood Care

One of the oldest people alive in the UK - a Hampshire great grandmother - has celebrated her 110^th birthday at Cams Ridge Care Home in Fareham.

• Annie Samphire was Hampshire’s oldest woman, until someone just six months older moved into the county
• She credits her long life to walking everywhere and indulging her sweet tooth, often enjoying a bowl of ice cream before bed
• Annie was joined at the Cams Ridge care home by her family to celebrate her special day
• Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Joan Ferrer JP DL, The Mayor, Councillor Fred Birkett and Mayoress, Mrs Lisa Birkett visited Annie to wish her the very best
• A card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla took pride of place.

Annie Samphire marked the incredible milestone with a party at Cams Ridge care home, where she lives, surrounded by other residents from the care home and her family, including her daughters Betty and Margret. Annie credits her longevity to plenty of long walks and indulging her sweet tooth. She never owned a car and often enjoys an ice cream or chocolate bar before settling down to a night’s sleep.

Until recently, Annie was the oldest person in the county, but a usurper who is just six months older than her moved to Hampshire.

Other than a short two-year stint in Australia, Annie spent her entire life in Hampshire. She met her husband of 61 years, a baker named Harry, in 1935 while enjoying a walk through a rock garden near to the beach. The family legend says that he marched home to tell his parents he had found the woman he was going to marry – and not long after he was proven right. Harry sadly passed away in 1996. Annie has two daughters, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren – with another on the way – many of whom still live in the Hampshire area.

Prior to marrying Harry, Annie worked at the Landport Drapery Bazaar, but had to leave her job once the couple tied the knot thanks to a rule that barred married women from working there. Annie never took another job but was very active in local clubs and societies, while Harry worked as a baker throughout his life – not even stopping when the bakery he worked at in Portsmouth was hit by a German bomb during the war.

Betty Staley, Annie’s daughter, said: “My mum has always been a strong character and it’s no surprise to me or any of the family that she is celebrating her 110th birthday. She shows the power of love, determination, and embracing life's joys.

“Cams Ridge Care Home has made such a fuss of her birthday and made it one for us all to remember. She was living at home until a year ago and is fiercely independent, but she has really embraced the social aspect of Cams Ridge and gets involved with all of the different activities the team put on.”

Annie said: “I’ve lived a long and happy life, and I have been lucky to have the love of a good husband and family. Everyone keeps asking me how I’ve done it and tell them that it’s all about staying fit and enjoying yourself. Walk, rather than drive, when you can. And always say yes when offered a biscuit or chocolate bar. Life is for living and enjoying.”

Mrs Joan Ferrer JP DL, representing HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, said: “It was a huge honour to join Mrs. Samphire and her lovely family for her 110th birthday celebrations. She is an amazing lady who is full of fun and energy, and I believe her recipe for life will stand her in good stead for more years to come.”

Marie Toledo, home manager for Larchwood Care at Cams Ridge, spoke fondly of Annie's incredible milestone. Marie said: “Annie is an extraordinary individual, and we are honoured to have her as part of our care home family as she celebrates her 110^th birthday. She might be one of the oldest people in the UK, but don’t let that fool you - she still has a sharp wit and keeps everyone on their toes!”

Cams Ridge care home is operated by Larchwood Care and is rated as Good in all areas by the health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission.

ENDS

Larchwood Care has an extensive range of care homes, with an excellent reputation, in England, Scotland and South Wales.

All of the facilities are set up to support a comfortable lifestyle while making the most of a skilled care team with an approach that is homely and charming, while also being modern and efficient.

Larchwood Care Homes is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions, one of the leading providers of care in the UK.

https://www.larchwoodcare.co.uk/