Cate Cortessi born over a century ago, will outdo the Queen’s recent birthday festivities, when she celebrates her 103 birthday thrice instead of her usual twice on Monday July 26th. Cate, like the Queen celebrates two birthdays each year, an actual birthday like any other person and an official birthday.
However, Cate’s traditional double birthday celebrations which she has enjoyed for over 100 years is due to a 103 years old white lie, told by Cate’s mother to the local registrar, to avoid a hefty late registration of birth fine!
Cate’s mother stated that she was born on 26th July, rather than the actual correct date of June 26th. Cate as a result of this white lie has always celebrated her birthday twice; she has already marked her actual birthday with close friends and family at Abbeyfield’s Lee House a charitable care home in Wimbledon Village on the 26th June. Cate will now be whisked off for brunch at her favourite local restaurant Cannizero along with her Abbeyfield carer on the 26th July at 10.45am.
The festivities continue with a third celebration which will take place later on the same day when the residents and staff of the Abbeyfield care home will enjoy a sit down lunch with wine followed by a garden party in the afternoon with cake and champagne.
Theresa McLaughlin care home Manager commented: “Cate is a no nonsense lady, who knows her own mind. She is a firm believer that the secret to her long life is due to her love of plain food, an occasional glass of sherry and insists that a spot of hard work never did her any harm either!“
Cate, mother to twin girls, enjoys playing cards with her daughter and son in law and playing ten pin bowling on the care home’s Nintendo Wii.
Samantha Alleyne PR & Marketing Officer said: “We have a number of residents in our care homes, nationwide, who are 100 or older like Cate – although you wouldn’t know when you met them. Abbeyfield’s is a national charity that aims to enhance the quality of life of older people which I think is essential in promoting happiness and long life. I think our oldest resident is 107”