Britain’s oldest person, Gladys Hooper, has sadly passed away in Ryde today (Saturday) aged 113.
Gladys, a former concert pianist, last year became the oldest person in the world to receive a hip replacement at the grand age of 112 and until today was Britain’s oldest person, a title now held by Bessie Camm from Rotherham. The title was previously held by 114-year-old Ethel Lang until 15th January 2015.
The great-grandmother was born Gladys Nash in Dulwich on 18th January 1903 and died today – 9th July 2016 – at the Highfield Nursing Home having been unwell for a short period. She moved to the Island in 1979 and lived independently until 101.
Throughout her life Gladys witnessed a number of significant world events including 2 World Wars and even met Thomas Edison, co-inventor of the lightbulb when he visited her school. Gladys also went to college with Amy Johnson, the first ever woman to fly solo from England to Australia.
Featured photo: via Addey & Stanhope School
