100 up for bingo-loving May as she celebrates milestone birthday

A bingo-loving pensioner has celebrated reaching three figures at the Wearside care home where she lives.
Sycamore Care Centre resident Edna May Grathorne celebrates her 100th birthday.Sycamore Care Centre resident Edna May Grathorne celebrates her 100th birthday.
Sycamore Care Centre resident Edna May Grathorne celebrates her 100th birthday.

Edna May Gathorne was born at the height of the First World War in April 1916.

“May”, as she is known to family and friends, married her first husband James just before the Second World War, having a son called Milt before James’ death.

Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.
Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.
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May remarried, to Miles Gathorne, after the conflict and together the couple had one son together, Ralf.

Miles sadly died of cancer at the age of 49.

May worked at Harton Dye Laundry Works and lived in South Shields, where she was very houseproud.

She has been cared for at Sycamore Care Centre, in the Nookside area of Sunderland, for the past five years.

Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.
Happy Birthday to Edna May Gathorne.

May’s loving granddaughter Debbie Dugdale, 40, who is the daughter of May’s daughter Marion, told the Echo: “She’s doing really well for being 100.

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“She used to love gardening, although she can’t really do that now, and she enjoyed playing bingo as well when she was younger.”

As part of the celebration, May was visited by Sunderland Alderman Mark Greenfield, who was present to enjoy a party which care home staff had put on for her.

Debbie, who lives in Chester in the North West, but regularly visits Sunderland, added: “She loved her party and had a great time throughout the day.

“With me living away it’s difficult to visit, but I try to get there as often as possible to see her.

May’s daughter in law Marion, her grandson Keith, Debbie and her two great-grandsons Adam and Matthew would all like to wish her happy birthday on getting to 100 years old.