Many happy returns to Stockton woman Elizabeth Kay, who turns 105 today (3 October 2025) at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Born in 1920, Elizabeth has lived in Stockton her whole life, working in general grocery shops she owned with her late husband Herbert.
Women’s Land Army
Elizabeth is the eldest of six girls and served in the Women’s Land Army during World War II helping to ensure a supply of food for the war effort. After suffering a fall in her home which grandson Anthony shares to care for her, Elizabeth was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees.
Daughter Jeanette Baggaley and husband Alan came up from their home in Stoke to be with Elizabeth on her special day. The family never planned to be singing ‘Happy Birthday’ in hospital but the ward staff rallied round to make sure this monumental achievement was properly marked.
King’s card
Jeanette said: “We’ve got Mum’s card from the King with her on the ward. She is sleeping a lot but when she is awake, she knows it’s her special birthday.”
