WWII nurse celebrates 100th birthday at Shrewsbury nursing home
Irene Wilkinson, a nurse in World War II, marked her 100th birthday with a tea party at Radbrook Nursing Home in Shrewsbury, with her birthday card from King Charles and The Queen Consort in pride of place.
Irene was joined by family, friends and the caring team to celebrate her milestone birthday and Radbrook provided cupcakes, tea and balloons.
The eldest of two sisters, Irene was born in Welshpool in 1924. She trained as a nurse and physiotherapist and during WWII Irene nursed injured soldiers returning from the frontline in hospitals in Liverpool and Chester. She vividly recalls the relentless task of erecting and removing the blackout blinds from all the windows.
Irene married Pip in 1963 and the couple lived in Louth, Lincolnshire where they raised their children. Irene had a daughter and four stepchildren.
Irene was Mayoress of Louth twice in 1964 and 1972 and served as a councillor for Lincolnshire County Council. She had her own nursing home, physio clinic and worked as a night sister at The Royal Salop Infirmary after the family moved to Shrewsbury. Irene has two grandchildren and an 18-month-old great-grandson, Milo. Her husband, Pip, sadly died in 2012.
Commenting on reaching her 100th birthday, Irene said: “I have certainly had a busy and varied life. I am not sure what the secret to reaching 100 is, but I think a regular glass of Sherry must have helped.
“I’ve always enjoyed a party and the team here at Radbrook has gone out of their way to throw a wonderful one for me and make my birthday a truly memorable day.”
Sarah Parker, Radbrook home manager, said: “It has been a privilege to join Irene and her family in marking her incredible milestone birthday. She is a popular and much-loved member of the Radbrook family and we all enjoyed celebrating and raising a glass to her.”
