Royal visit for 108-year-old woman from Stratford-upon-Avon

A resident at a care home in Stratford-upon-Avon received a visit from the King’s representative in her home county and as she toasted a very special milestone.

Dorothy Unitt celebrated her 108th birthday with a special visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox and said her secret to living a long life is to ‘follow your heart and follow your dreams “.

Dorothy was born in Sutton Coldfield on 18th June 1916. Later in life she moved to Birmingham where Dorothy met and married her husband Bert and they were happily married for 15 years.

Together they had a daughter, Shelia, before Bert died. Moving to Solihull, Dorothy met her partner Maurice and they moved to Stratford-upon-Avon together, spending 50 years of marriage. Dorothy now has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

READ MORE: Police vow ‘priority’ after Keaton Slater’s death

READ MORE: Roadworks for next week as the Godiva Festival is about to start

Dorothy’s career included working as a clerk at the Rover car factory and she led a life full of daily walks, gardening, reading and church.

Giving advice to the younger generations, she said “Keep active and walk and walk.”

For the special day, the walls of her house were decorated with balloons and banners. The day was rounded off with a royal visit from Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, a special birthday message from Gordon Ramsay and a birthday cake prepared by the Head Chef.

With her family around her, Dorothy noted that “wishes do come true, even at 108.”

Home manager at Dorthy’s Ambleside care home, Charlotte Levin, said it was an honor to celebrate Dorthy’s birthday with her and to see the smile on her face was “priceless”.

“He is a much-loved Ambleside resident and we all enjoyed recognizing this amazing milestone.

“Everything we do is focused on supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we’re always keen to mark special occasions. Dorothy’s 108th birthday was no exception and it was a delight to hear her sound advice for living a long and happy life and to have so many special guests.”