Ilkeston centenarian reaches 108 but what is his secret?

Published on: Friday, 23rd December 2022
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Ilkeston centenarian Donald Rose at the age of 108 with one of the Canal View carers

An Ilkeston centenarian has been speaking to Erewash Sound shortly before reaching 108 years of age on Christmas Eve.

Donald Rose is something of a celebrity having been in the news over the last couple of years, to tick off a number of final 'bucket list' items on days out from his Canal Vue care home on Awsworth Road including having a ride in a Fire Engine and seeing fire fighters in an exercise, and he also flew a plane in a flight simulator.

At the age of 106, he received a message from Her Majesty The Queen who had been informed of Donald's activities.  Originally from Guildford, he joined the Army at the age of 23 serving in Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Normandy and South Africa and is a recipient of France's highest award - the Legion D'Honneur, or Legion of Honour.

Donald also struck up online friendships during lockdown by exchanging letters and emails with students working at Ilkeston Victoria Park Leisure Centre as part of a Prince's Trust programme.

More recently, he was visited by Erewash Sound's Emma Duthie shortly before his 108th birthday.  

Donald held Emma's hand throughout the chat and thanked her for visiting him.  Emma asked Donald what his secret was in reaching such a brilliant age.  In reply Donald said: "If I knew the secret and told everyone, we'd ALL live to be 108!"

He was presented with a balloon, a card and chocolates on behalf of the radio station ahead of more special visits including from the Mayor, Councillor John Sewell, local sea cadets and members of the Royal British Legion as his celebrations continue.

There is also another item recently added to what was an empty bucket list - visiting a radio station - which he looks set to do in the next few weeks!

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