A BROMSGROVE woman celebrates her 106th birthday today, receiving her second card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Irene Lane almost died at the age of 94 and then became the oldest person to undergo heart surgery, having a new valve inserted through a small puncture in her leg during the TAVI keyhole procedure at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Thanks to the hospital’s cardiology specialists, she was back home in seven days and today toasts her latest milestone at Heathbrook House Care Home where she moved to after turning 100.
Her son Robert has been to see her today to help her celebrate another marvellous milestone.
He said: “She has had a lovely birthday – the staff at Heathbrook House have been absolutely brilliant.
“She has had her whole room decorated.
“Tracey Gardner from the activities team has made her a beautiful birthday cake and a banana cake and she has had loads of cards which the staff helped her open.
“She is resting now as, understandably, she’s quite tired now but she has had an incredible day.”
Irene’s life
Irene was born in Birmingham and lived in Moseley before moving to Billesley where she remained for most of her life.
She married her husband Albert, known as Bert, and they were together until he passed away in 2008.
The pair had a son Robert and daughter Janet, and Irene now has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Speaking last year, when Irene turned 105, Robert revealed what he might be the key to her long life.
“She’s never smoked, hardly drank, has always appreciated life for what it was and loves her simple pleasures.”
