Harborough war veteran marks his 103rd birthday with an all-day party

The red carpet was well and truly rolled out at a Market Harborough care home for much-loved resident Eric Clarke as he celebrated his 103rd birthday.

The birthday party went on all day long as great-great grandfather Eric reached the staggering age of 103 at Lenthall House on Lenthall Square on the town’s Southern Estate.

And the veteran centenarian serviceman, who fought in the Army in the Second World War, received a birthday card from every one of the home’s 55 staff and many of his 39 fellow residents.

Trudie McDermott, a care team leader at Lenthall House, off Western Avenue, said: “We had a right royal knees-up for Eric.

“Every birthday is special.

“But to get to 103 – it’s almost impossible to even imagine it!”

She added: “We had a big cake for Eric, he received cards from all the staff and he absolutely loved it.

“His party was so special, so brilliant, that it went on all day long!

“We were singing to him and dancing around him – and he was joining in.

“He just adored being the centre of attention, he lapped up every minute.

“We really couldn’t have had a better time and it was just so great to see Eric thoroughly enjoying himself on centre stage.”

Trudie said that Eric, who has five children, 10 grandchildren and a great-great-grandson, grew up in Hinckley after being born in November 1917 – as the First World War was still raging.

“He was brought up by his grandmother.

“His first wife died when she was just 59.

“Eric married again, a lady called Gladys, and she passed away at 93.

“We know that Eric served in the Second World War, he was a cook for some of his service,” said Trudie.

“He went to work in a hosiery factory in Leicester after being demobbed and he enjoyed his fishing and his cars.

“He’s been with us for five years.

“We all absolutely love Eric.

“He’s an amazing character, such a funny old gentleman and so happy.

“It’s been a difficult year for care homes like ours all over the country with the tough Covid lockdowns.

“But Eric brings a shining ray of sunshine into all our lives and his birthday party was just brilliant.

“We loved organising and staging it because if anyone deserves such a fantastic celebration he does.

“He’s still a very strong old man and we all feel blessed to have him living here with us at Lenthall House.

“Happy birthday Eric!”