Former builder moved to the UK from Ireland 56 years ago

A resident at a Brent care home marked the end of the year by celebrating a landmark birthday.

Edward Fogarty, a resident of Willesden Court Care Home turned 100 last week..

To honour the occasion, friends, family and fellow residents celebrated during a fun-filled day at the home in Ganet Road.

During the afternoon a pianist and singer performed songs from musicals and he was presented with a card from the Queen and Michael D Higgins, the president of his native Ireland.

Speaking after the event, his daughter Bridget paid tribute to the staff at the care home for providing her father with such a special day.

She said: “I am immensely grateful to all the staff for such a splendid and lovely day, he really enjoyed himself and it was such a lovely celebration.”

Mr Fogarty, who celebrated his birthday on December 30, is originally from County Wexford in Ireland and moved to the UK in 1946 where he worked as a builder.

Around 50 residents of the care home alongside some of his daughters close friends were also at the event where he was presented with a bunch of flowers before they all enjoyed the birthday cake.

Shaisda Ahmed, activities co-ordinator who organised the event alongside the manager of the care home said the party was ‘beautiful’.