A great-grandmother of nine who went into ‘end of life care’ six years ago celebrated her 105th birthday in style last week, revealing the ‘secret’ to her long life.

Vicky Cooper was born January 7, 1920 – just days before the Treaty of Versailles ended World War One.

She lived at home independently until she was 99, but after a stay in hospital in July 2019, she went into St John’s Nursing Home in Rownhams for ‘end of life care.’

Six years later, she celebrated another milestone with cake and giant balloons as family, residents and staff joined her at her bedside.

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When asked about her long health, Vicky joked that her secret was ‘never taking any medication, despite countless GPs encouraging’ her to do so.

Vicky has lived through both World Wars, seen 28 different Prime Ministers in office and was born the same year that women secured the right to vote in America.

Vicky Cooper in bed with her cards and birthday balloons.Vicky Cooper in bed with her cards and birthday balloons. (Image: St John's Nursing Home) Vicky was one of ten children growing up in Southampton and when she finished school, she went into service to be a lady’s maid in London.

This career path did not last long though, as her mother asked her to return to Southampton for her own safety when World War Two broke out in 1939.

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She came back to the south coast and met her late husband Lesley at a local cycle club, marrying him in 1941.

Vicky's cake, decorated with 105th birthday candles.Vicky's cake, decorated with 105th birthday candles. (Image: St John's Nursing Home) Vicky worked at the Bourne and Hollingsworth department store on 1-9 Above Bar Street – the building now occupied by Poundland.

She then moved to Tyrrell and Green, a department store which was eventually bought out by John Lewis and tragically destroyed during the Blitz in 1940.

A new store for the brand was built on the original site on Above Bar Street between 1954 and 1956, and Vicky worked for the shop until she retired.

The 105-year-old and her late husband Lesley had two children, Raymond and Sandra, who gave her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She used to enjoy walking and reading, living independently at home until she was 99.