‘Hard work and determination’ – Navy veteran reveals secret to a long life on his 100th birthday

John Marsh, known by loved ones as Harry, celebrated his 100th birthday with family, friends and team members at Care UK’s Sherwood Grange, on Robin Hood Lane, where he lives.

In true birthday fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons and banners and Harry was presented with a huge birthday cake decorated with fruit and his favourite sweet treat – Jaffa Cakes.

One of seven brothers, Harry was born on 22nd January 1925 in Fulham. At just 18 years old, he joined the Royal Navy and served through the war until 1945.

During his naval career, Harry experienced a miraculous twist of fate that saved his life after his ship docked in Calcutta, India.

He said: “I was walking down the road and bumped into my brother, who was in the army, queuing for the cinema. We were so surprised to see each other and decided to have a night out. We both woke up the next morning on the roof of a cricket pavilion – my ship had sailed without me and my brother’s troop had left.

“The ship I should have been on was carrying cordite and petrol, used during the war for making bombs. It ended up being torpedoed.”

After the war, Harry forged a successful career as a master plasterer, making ornate ceilings and cornices by hand. He worked across central London and the West End, repairing all the buildings that were damaged during the war.

Early on in his building career, some passing children shook a ladder Harry was on, causing him to fall and land flat on his feet. This damaged his ankles, knees and hips and the doctors wanted to amputate one of his legs. It was through sheer determination that Harry recovered, and he has led his life with renewed willpower ever since.

When asked his secret to living a long life, Harry said: “Hard work and determination is the key. Don’t let anything stop you. I have always believed that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything.”

Harry married his sweetheart Kathleen in 1946, and the couple went on to have one son and a grandson, who regularly visit him at Sherwood Grange.

Malgo Wcislo, Home Manager at Sherwood Grange, said: “Harry is a much-loved resident. He has some truly amazing stories from his time in the Navy and we were excited to organise a truly special birthday to celebrate his newly minted centenarian status.

“The team worked tirelessly to make sure his day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to wish Harry a happy birthday.

“It was a day of honouring all of Harry’s many achievements and one we will not forget for a long time to come. A very happy birthday, Harry!”

Sherwood Grange provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and the home has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home features a cinema, hair salon and art studio, and incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.