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Briton winning the men’s title at Wimbledon is nothing new for 108-year-old Vera Pigott from Sutton Valence

Vera Pigott is celebrating her 109th birthday
Vera Pigott is celebrating her 109th birthday

For most of us, a British male Wimbledon champion is a once in a lifetime experience - but a Sutton Valence Care Home resident has been alive for four of them.

Vera Pigott was born on the day Lawrence Doherty won the title in 1905 - his fourth of five - and celebrated her 108th birthday this week... the day after Andy Murray slammed his way into the history books.

Wimbledon hero Andy Murray. Picture: SWNS.com
Wimbledon hero Andy Murray. Picture: SWNS.com

The secret behind her longevity could be waking up early and having a hearty breakfast – a routine you might have to follow if you want to witness the jubilant scenes on Centre Court again.

Each day, her son Graham Pigott, 66, visits her at the care home in North Street, where she has lived since 2006.

He said: "I am very proud of my mother, not many people make it to 100, let alone 108."

The former Langley resident kicked off her birthday with two bowls of porridge before receiving a framed letter of commendation from the Queen.

Graham joked: "She's building up quite a number, this year is the fifth one. You get one when you turn 100 and each year once you reach 105."

Celebrations for Vera's milestone included a performance from a 1960s cover singer, and a visit from Cllr Clive English, the Mayor of Maidstone.

Despite her years, Vera is still a long way from becoming the oldest woman in Britain - in fact she is just 74th in the list and the third oldest in Kent.

She is 61 days younger that Alice Ducat, from Hythe, and 58 days younger than Florence Dangerfield, who lives in Cranbrook.

Lawrence Doherty won Wimbledon the same day Vera was born
Lawrence Doherty won Wimbledon the same day Vera was born
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