A CARE home resident in Salisbury has celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by balloons, presents and cake.

A quiet and private resident, Doreen Fortescue was smiling and laughing last week at The Cedars Care Home despite her usual preference for keeping celebrations low-key.

Born in 1923 in Derbyshire, Doreen grew up in Bournemouth with her sister and two brothers.

In her younger years, she was a competitive swimmer, earning a silver medal from the RNLI.

At 18, she began her nursing training at Guy’s Hospital and later worked at hospitals in Kent.

After the Second World War, she served as a district nurse in Christchurch before becoming a nurse advisor, helping plan new hospitals in Southampton, Basingstoke and Bournemouth.

She spent nearly a decade as a ward sister at the John Radcliffe Hospital and later returned to Guy’s Hospital as a night sister.

Doreen also took part in the King’s Fund course for matrons, focusing on customer feedback in healthcare.

She met her husband Frank in 1966 at the age of 43 while sharing a double garage.

The couple were married for 26 years, and Doreen cared for Frank during his final battle with cancer.

They lived in Woodgreen for more than 50 years, and following his death, Doreen joined the WI, enjoyed village life, pursued a City and Guilds course in embroidery and travelled across Europe.

Doreen’s family, including nieces and nephews, visit regularly.

A special birthday cake for a special lady!

Reflecting on her time at the care home since April 2025, she said: “If I hadn’t come to Cedars in the spring last year, I wouldn’t be here today, and it is down to the excellent care that I have received from the home that I am.

“I am truly grateful to the staff.”

General manager at The Cedars Anish Abraham added: “What a pleasure it has been to celebrate such a remarkable achievement with Doreen.

“We aim to celebrate life to the full at The Cedars and Doreen has certainly led a full and varied life. She is an amazing lady and well loved by everyone at the Cedars. We all wish Doreen many happy years ahead of her.”

The Cedars, run by Barchester Healthcare, offers nursing, residential and respite care. They are welcoming new residents; for enquiries, call 01794 399040.