A patient at Glasgow Royal Infirmary has celebrated their 100th birthday at the hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Harriet McKenzie, also known as Hattie, said, “This is the most wonderful day I’ve ever had, just absolutely marvellous.”
She hit the milestone age yesterday, with staff going above and beyond to ensure she and those around her could celebrate the special day. A space at the GRI was set aside so that family and friends who came from as far as Inverness and Aberdeen could attend, decorate, and enjoy some light bites.
The lively Glaswegian, who has lived in the city her whole life, sang songs, chatted with loved ones, and finally blew out the candles on her cake.
Her son, Gordon McKenzie, said, “My mum is exceptional. She’s a very, very strong-willed lady who brought us (Gordon and his two siblings) up herself. She worked two or three jobs to keep the family together. She’s always been the mainstay and always been there for everybody.”
Hattie, who describes herself as “ordinary”, spoke about several different jobs she had done in her younger years, which included sewing for the Army and Navy and joining the Women’s Timber Corps. More recently, she paraglided on her 90th birthday while on holiday with her son.
During the party, she sang some of ‘Luck Be a Lady.’ Gordon said, “Singing has been part of her life. She has always been the life and soul of the party.”
Speaking about the hospital and staff, he added, “It’s great that the ward allowed us to spend this special day with her. I can’t thank the consultants and staff enough. Not only for the contribution to myself but also for the things they’ve done for my mum. Extraordinary things.
“When you see what individuals do for their patients (within NHSGGC), it makes you very humble. We’re lucky to have it.”
