Wolsingham woman celebrates 102nd birthday with strippergram

Monica Ruddick, from Wolsingham, has had an extraordinary life from working in a canteen during the Second World War to working in a convent for 25 years.

For her 102nd birthday she only had two wishes.

She wanted to visit church to celebrate the joy of life - and she also wanted a strippergram.

The 102-year-old was delighted with how many visitors came to visit her.

The whole care home had a huge party for her with dancing and a delicious cake.

She visited church last week to fulfil the first part of her birthday wish but it was only in the afternoon of her actual birthday that she had her wish of a stripper.

Monica was all kitted up for a private performance in her room, saying: "I've got the baby oil."

After the striptease she said: "He'll pass."

Adam Price, who volunteered to be her strippergram because his wife works at the care home, said: "Apparently she likes a man in uniform.

"I'm glad to make her day."

Gillian Hannah, one of the staff at West Lodge Care Home in Crook, said: "Monica, born at Melbourne Place in Wolsingham, has lived a life as vibrant and diverse as the community she calls home. Despite never marrying or having children of her own, Monica's life has been dedicated to caring for others.

"From looking after "naughty boys" in a boys' home to supporting a woman in a TB centre, she worked tirelessly through the war in a canteen and spent 25 years helping nuns in a convent.

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"Monica is a living witness to history, having seen four kings and one queen on the throne. Her incredible journey has been fuelled by a spirit of resilience and a unique philosophy of life - to live it to the fullest, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. She firmly believes that laughter is a must in life.

"Remarkably, Monica retired at the age of 62 but continued her caregiving role, looking after her brother until he was 92. Even at 90, she displayed unwavering strength and love. Monica only moved into West Lodge Care Home at the impressive age of 101.

"Monica wanted a birthday celebration that combined the unexpected - a strippergram for her cheeky side and a visit to the church to celebrate the joy of life."