Sir David Attenborough surprises The Manor House resident

Dorothy Lamb, from Knaresborough, celebrated turning 100 on Wednesday 1 February and was overjoyed to receive a present from Sir David Attenborough! 

Centenarian Dorothy blew out her candles at a party held for her at The Manor House care home in Knaresborough where she has lived for nearly five years. 

Along with the traditional 100th birthday telegram from the King, Dorothy enjoyed some champagne at the party where she was joined by friends and family and received a visit from Knaresborough’s Deputy Mayor Mark Flood! 

Dorothy was also delighted to receive over 100 cards and well wishes from friends, relatives, and members of the local community. The most special of these however, was a signed photograph from the nation’s most beloved naturalist Sir David Attenborough! Dorothy has been a long-time fan of Sir David and when the team at The Manor House sent him a message about Dorothy’s upcoming special day, they were delighted to receive a signed photograph with a special message congratulating Dorothy on turning 100!

Dorothy was born in Hartlepool, County Durham. Before she retired Dorothy worked in Wetherby as an education welfare officer

She said:

I’m absolutely delighted! It’s wonderful to be turning 100 but to have such a lovely birthday as this was extra special! Thank you to Mark Flood for joining us and thank you so much Sir David for my lovely photo! 

The secret to a long and happy life is determination, and keeping your brain going, which I did playing bridge regularly!

Klara Spatenkova, Manager of The Manor House care home, said:

We’re so happy to celebrate Dorothy’s 100th birthday and thank you so much to Sir David for such a lovely gift and to the Deputy Mayor and all the guests for making it so special!

Dorothy is a lovely person, and adores flowers and the garden, so any activities we have that involve those, Dorothy really enjoys!

Activities Coordinators Joanne Meredith and Katie Pickering said: “Dorothy is such a wonderful person; we were so happy we got to help plan her special day!”

For further information on Anchor’s The Manor House care home, click here.