Adela Harrison celebrates 107th Birthday

Adela, who has lived in Buckinghamshire nearly all of her life celebrates her 107th birthday today.
Adela, who has lived in Buckinghamshire nearly all of her life celebrates her 107th birthday today.Adela, who has lived in Buckinghamshire nearly all of her life celebrates her 107th birthday today.
Adela, who has lived in Buckinghamshire nearly all of her life celebrates her 107th birthday today.

The Bucks Herald spoke to Adela's Grandaughters Patricia and Susannah who spoke warmly of her grandmother.

Patricia said: "Grandma was born on the 2nd of January 1913 in Uxbridge.

"In 1943 she moved to Chalfont St Giles on a farm where she brought up her only son and had her 5 grandchildren grow up, since then she has always lived in the neighbouring villages; and now has 3 beautiful great grand children that give her a boost of energy and youthfulness.

"She dedicated her life to the family fish and chip chain across Middlesex and the Bucks area and retired at the age of 75.

Adela says the secret of her long life has been keeping active, travelling regularly and eating great fish and chips.

Patricia added: "She did keep fit every Monday until her early 100's and drove until she was 100.

"She has always been a very independent person, but kept her immediate family close to her.

"Especially her youngest granddaughter Susannah who has lived with her in the last decade.

"When Grandma turned 100 she mentioned she wants to "get to 102, touch wood".

Patricia added that Adela is currently quite frail, but is happy and looking forward to her birthday party today.

The family normally organise a huge party, where friends and family come from all over the UK and Europe to celebrate, but this year she said she wants a small family one.

Susannah Harrison, Adela's other granddaughter currently lives with Adela and her partner, Popeye.

She said: "Adela is a very stubborn but driven independent woman.

"She's always done her own thing, and you have to respect that.

"Adela's father used to own fisheries in Uxbridge and later moved into the fish and chipshop trade, where Adela plied her trade."

Adela lives in Chalfont St Peter, near Gerrards Cross.

Susannah continued:

"Adela has had a very interesting life, she's seen a lot of the world and loves food.

"She grew up with three brothers, Len, George and Jack.

"She's just one of the lads really, she certainly worked hard and played even harder.

"She's always had a passion for dog racing, and we're hoping to head to Romford Grayhound track at some point next week.

Adela has been suffering a bit recently with a chest infection, but is expected to recover in time for her party today.

Susannah said Adela is no stranger to the hospital, having been in and out for various health issues over the year.

And despite some gloomy diagnoses over the years, including being told she just had 24 hours to live she still goes from strength to strength.

Today, Adela enjoys a flutter on the horses and grayhounds, keeps herself busy with administrative work for several of her business interests.

She lives with two rottweilers, Roxy and Narla.

Susannah said: "She's an amazing woman, she loves watching the boxing and UFC with me and my partner.

"She's great fun and we love spending time with her.

"She still runs rings around us to be honest!"

Happy Birthday Adela from everyone at the Bucks Herald.

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