'Tenacious and independent' grandmother turns 105

A grandmother from Kent who is turning 105 with two parties and a card from King Charles III has been described as an "inspiration" by her family.

Joyce Callaway was born on 23 March 1921 in London, where she spent many years before moving to Herne Bay in the early 2000s and then the Barty House Nursing Home in Maidstone last summer.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, granddaughter Kristen said she treasured the very close relationship she has with her grandmother.

"She is an inspiration; her tenacity, her independence, her attitude for life. Every day is a gift," she said.

Callaway, who has been a widow for over 50 years after her husband Alf died, has five children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

One of those grandchildren, Kristen, described the 105-year-old as a "phenomenal artist" and "keen gardener".

Callaway was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the age of 104, and has managed to recover from surgery after breaking her femur last August.

"We think she was the oldest person they [the hospital] have done this surgery for and she did so well with her recovery, much better than many youngsters in their 70s and 80s!" Kristen said.

Callaway had a party with family on Sunday to celebrate her milestone birthday, with another set for Monday when she will mark the occasion with fellow Barty House residents.

Kristen knows her "radiant" grandmother will enjoy the event.

She said: "She brings so much joy to many and I feel she deserves to be celebrated.

"She loves a selfie, though she has to quality control them."

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