British supercentenarian Ethel Caterham has made history as the first person from the United Kingdom ever verified to reach the age of 117, according to Guinness World Records.

Born on 21 August 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham has lived through two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the Russian Revolution, and the Covid-19 pandemic which she survived at the age of 110.

Now residing in a care home in Surrey, Caterham celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by family and friends. She told PA Media:“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings.”Longevity experts hailed her achievement as historic. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, noted:

“Her longevity is becoming truly historic, especially in terms of the UK. After becoming the first British person to reach age 116 a year ago, she is now the first to reach 117.”

Caterham is currently recognised as the world’s oldest living person, the 13th oldest ever recorded, and the last surviving individual born before 1910.

Her life story spans continents: at 18 she travelled alone to India to work as a nanny, later marrying Major Norman Caterham in 1933 at Salisbury Cathedral. 

The couple lived in Hong Kong before settling in Surrey. She has outlived her husband, who died in 1976, and both daughters, but continues to be celebrated by her three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

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