Elderly British resident claims title as world's oldest living individual.
Scoring a Century and Beyond: Ethel Caterham Breaks Records
Meet Ethel Caterham, 115 years young and now the oldest person not just in the UK, but the entire world! Born on the 21st of August, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Ethel's remarkable longevity eclipses Brazilian Inah Canabarro Lucas, who passed away on April 30, at the age of 116 years and 326 days.
Hailing from a family of eight, Ethel was the second youngest of her siblings. Her eldest sister, Gladys Babilas, reached 104 years and 78 days before her passing in 2002.
Ethel's life has been a testament to adventure and resilience. At 18, she ventured on a three-week boat journey to India, working as a nanny for a British family steeped in British and Indian traditions. Later, she met her husband, Major Norman Caterham of the British Army, at a party in 1931. They tied the knot at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933, and together they had two daughters, Gem and Anne.
Norman's military career saw the couple relocate to Hong Kong and Gibraltar. In Hong Kong, Ethel once again found herself caring for children and even established a nursery catering to both British and local children.
After Norman's posting, the family returned to Surrey. Though she became a widow in 1976, Ethel continued to drive her husband's classic Triumph Dolomite car until the age of 97. Tragically, she outlived both her daughters, Gem and Anne, who passed away in the early 2000s and February 2020 respectively.
Despite her age, Ethel is in good health, enjoying her days in the sun in her garden, listening to birds, or in her living room, grooving to classical music. Her secret to longevity? "Saying yes to all opportunities, because you never know what it might bring," she says with a spark in her eyes.
Ethel's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1909, she is the last person from that year still alive. She is also the last British subject of King Edward VII and the last person born before 1913. Making history once again, she bravely fought COVID-19 at the age of 110.
Ethel is believed to be one of the oldest people to have surfaced COVID-19, a testament to her indomitable spirit. She also surpassed Charlotte Hughes, the oldest person in the UK for the last 32 years, on April 7.
Reflecting on her life, Ethel told the Salisbury Journal, "Have a positive mental attitude and eat everything in moderation." Her words echo the spirit of an unparalleled journey that has seen her weather through every storm, embraced life's opportunities, and made history along the way.
Further Insights:
- Born to Alfred Collins and Fanny Shears, Ethel was raised in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
- Ethel travelled to India as an au pair for a British military family at the age of 18, returning to the UK in 1931.
- While living in Hong Kong, Ethel established a nursery for local and British children, teaching English, crafts, and games.
- Ethel has lived through significant historical events, including the Titanic disaster, both World Wars, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and has witnessed the reigns of six monarchs. She is the last surviving subject of Edward VII.
- Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest person, was born on the 21st of August, 1909, in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
- When she was 18, Ethel returned to the UK after a three-week boat journey to India, where she worked as a nanny for a British family.
- In Hong Kong, Ethel ran a nursery that catered to both local and British children, teaching them English, crafts, and games.
