Buxton woman celebrates 100th birthday as daughter travels more than 9,000 miles to be by her side

Marion McLoughlin, from Buxton, who was born in 1920, celebrated the milestone birthday in the comfort of The Salvation Army’s local care home, The Hawthorns, located on Burlington Road, where she now resides.

Mrs McLoughlin wasn’t the only guest of honour on the day, as her daughter, who is also called Marion, travelled the 9,164 mile roundtrip from Black Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Buxton to see her mother mark the momentous occasion.

Mrs McLoughlin, who is one of 13 children and the last remaining, also has a son, Peter, who visits her regularly and speaks often to her daughter over the phone.

She said on turning 100: “It is wonderful, just wonderful. Age is just a number. I’m not 19 anymore but have wonderful memories and more wonderful memories to come too. ”

A resident of The Hawthorns since 2014, Mrs McLoughlin spent most of her working life at a clothing factory in Manchester and is the care homes oldest resident, filling her time with chatting to other residents, listening to music and taking part in armchair dancing.

Staff and residents at The Hawthorns joined Mrs McLoughlin and her children, Marion, and Peter, for a birthday lunch which included homemade cake and memory celebrations of the last century.

Helen Bentley, home manager at The Hawthorns said: “Marion is such a

strong character and a big part of the care home.

“It was so important for all the team here to make a fuss of Marion on such a special day.

“T his is her home and our aim is to give reassurance to our residents and their families that their life continues here.

“It was lovely for everyone to see Marion reunited with her daughter and all her friends and family visit throughout the day.”

The Hawthorns is the only Salvation Army presence in Buxton and has been part of the town for more than 80 years.