Staffordshire war nurse celebrates 100th birthday
A Staffordshire woman who served her country has been celebrating after reaching her 100th birthday.
Marjorie Allen spent her special day at home in Cannock with her two children Shelagh and Stephen and their spouses, opening more than 240 cards from well-wishers, including a card from the Queen.
She was born on July 1, 1920 in West Hartlepool and trained as a nurse before joining the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps in 1940 and serving in Italy as a Lieutenant during the Second World War.
It was while in Italy that she met her future Husband Gil in 1943, with the couple marrying in Rome in 1945 and honeymooning in Sorrento before continuing her service in Italy and North Africa.
After finishing her service in the early-1950s, Marjorie moved to Wednesbury with Gil, working as a nurse in hospitals and schools around the Wednesbury area before retiring in 1980.
Gil died in 2006 aged 86, but Marjorie still has her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren in her life.
Her daughter Shelagh said her mother was still fit and well and living an independent life and spoke about how the family would celebrate the day.
She said: "I'm so very proud of her reaching this landmark age as she's still mobile, still looks after herself and has done very well living on her own during this pandemic.
"As well as helping her open her cards, we've got a little street party planned for her, with everyone celebrating from their drives and keeping social distance, and a family gathering on Saturday.
"She was amazed how many cards she got as well, as we mentioned her birthday in the paper and a lot of random people sent her cards from all over the place."
Shelagh said her mother was a sociable and adventurous person who loved going out on outings and cooking.
She said: "She's part of Chase Friends and she goes on as many outings and coach trips as she can, although she's not been able to do that much this year because of coronavirus.
"She still cooks for herself and enjoys doing that and what's nice is that she is still as sharp and together as she was years ago, so she keeps me and everyone in check!"
