Happy 112th birthday to Lillian who lives in Swanage – UK’s oldest person!

Officially the UK’s oldest person, Lillian Priest celebrated her 112th birthday with a party at her care home in Swanage.

Surrounded by cards, flowers and chocolates, she enjoyed a birthday lunch at York House in Cauldon Avenue, overlooking Beach Gardens.

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Lillian, whose full name is Sarah Lillian Priest, wasn’t able to have any visitors due to the coronavirus regulations but her daughter, Wendy did call this morning and while staying outside, was able to see her mother from a distance through a door.

“She’s seen just how much people love her”

A member of staff at the care home, where Lillian has lived for the last nine years said:

“We’ve had a great day. It’s been really fun for Lillian and she’s seen just how much people love her. We’ve got hundreds of cards all round the conservatory. At lunchtime, we had a party and she was very concerned to ensure she got her dessert – jelly and ice cream!”

Lillian was born in Wales in 1908 and then moved to Bournemouth. In 1969 she moved to Swanage with her husband, Arthur. She has two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

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