One of the oldest people in Britain to survive coronavirus has recovered in time to celebrate her 105th birthday.
Kathleen Wiltshire, who also lived through the 1918 influenza pandemic, amazed her carers by making a full recovery from Covid-19 to be able to mark the occasion.
The plucky pensioner, who suffers from dementia, turned 105 just eight weeks after being struck down with the virus.
Staff were worried her dementia would worsen after she was placed isolation in November, but she pulled through.
Carers have now described her as a “very tough, strong lady” who exceeded all expectations to be able to enjoy her celebrations this week.
When Ms Wiltshire tested positive for coronavirus last year, staff at Dene Court Care Home in Exeter, Devon, acknowledged they were “extremely worried”.
Aged 104 at the time, there was the “possibility that Kath would not come through that”, care manager Bridgette Armstrong said.
Kathleen moved to Devon in the 1970s and became president of a Women’s Institute group, and was also a keen golfer.
Typically a “social” character within the home, staff said she had became “withdrawn” when she was forced to isolate from other residents.
Ms Armstrong added: “Being in your room 24/7, I think it was a big strain on Kath.
“We’re absolutely over the moon that Kath is here to see her 105th birthday.
“I think that there’s hope there.
“It gives that positive feeling to everybody and the uplift to know you can get it at any age and pull through.”
John Holliday, manager of Dean Court Care Home, said: “She’s full of life. She was determined to get back out to be with everybody and enjoy her daily life again.
“She’s an amazing woman who is made of good stuff.”
