Ada Daniel, a sprightly 108-year-old from Derbyshire, has just celebrated her birthday in style, and she’s got some pretty unconventional advice for living a long life: skip the kids and get yourself a pack of dogs instead.
A Birthday to Remember
The centenarian, who lives at Codnor Park Care Home, was absolutely buzzing for her big day, and the care home staff made sure it was one to remember.
They put out a call for birthday cards, and the response was absolutely mental—Ada ended up with over 300 cards, including one from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Talk about a royal seal of approval!
Ada’s Secret to Longevity
According to Kelly Goucher, the care home’s activity coordinator, Ada is a proper character. When asked about her secret to longevity, Ada didn’t hesitate: “Have dogs, not kids.”
And she wasn’t joking—Ada was a massive greyhound fan, and all of her dogs were named Street Lane, after the road she lived on in Ripley. Legend.
The Birthday Celebrations
The birthday celebrations were next level. The care home launched an appeal in April to get 108 cards for Ada’s 108th birthday, but they smashed that target with over 300 cards pouring in.
Ada was absolutely chuffed, surrounded by balloons, gifts, and a mountain of cards. A BBC Radio Derby clip even captured the moment a journalist read out the King and Queen’s personal message, which said: “My wife and I are so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundred and eighth birthday on 1st June, 2023.
This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion.”
A Life Filled with Love
Ada’s life has been anything but ordinary. Born in 1915 in Ambergate, she married her late husband Percy in 1944. Percy, who fought in the war, passed away at 73, and the couple didn’t have any children.
Instead, Ada filled her life with her beloved greyhounds and stayed active well into her later years. She walked daily into Ripley until she was 97 and didn’t move into care until she turned 103.
Going Viral
This isn’t the first time Ada’s birthday has gone viral. When she turned 105 during lockdown, the care home launched a similar appeal, and she received over 200 cards. Clearly, Ada’s got a knack for bringing people together—and maybe her dog-loving lifestyle is the real key to a long, happy life.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for the secret to living past 100, maybe it’s time to ditch the kids and adopt a greyhound. Or, you know, just be as legendary as Ada. Either way, happy birthday to this absolute icon!