Former Olympian celebrates 100th birthday with calls from around the world

A champion fencer received video calls from all over the world to celebrate her 100th birthday last week.

Jean Wood has lived in Cornwallis Court care home in Bury St Edmunds since 2012, but was unable to see her three children, eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren due to the virus.

But Jean, who was due to represent Britain at the cancelled 1940 Olympic Games, enjoyed a special day.

As well as receiving a card from the Queen, she had calls from her family and friends in Australia, the USA, Isle of Mann and Canada. She even had a call from a 94-year-old friend in Seattle who was bridesmaid for her wedding in 1941 to her late husband Arthur.

Jean said: “To be able to see everyone all over the world is just marvellous.

“My secret to long life has been keeping busy, I like to be sociable.”