For Nora Gilliver, big birthday plans have become a habit.
The resident of The Lawns Care Home in Oadby, Leicestershire, marked her 104th birthday by ticking off a lifelong wish, riding in a tank.
“I used to see them when I was in the land army, when it was in the war time,” Nora said. She said the view from the turret was all right, but the ride was “a bit bumpy”.
Nora climbed aboard the FV432 tank at Armourgeddon Military Museum in Husbands Bosworth on Friday. Marie Welsh, manager of The Lawns, was also on board.
“It was very warm but it was a strange feeling, you’re quite tight in. It was amazing,” Ms Welsh said.
“It’s been a long time in the planning, about a week after her last birthday I asked her what she wanted to do.
“Nora is just amazing, she’s quite fit and healthy for her age. Why not make it happen, I wish if I get to that age I can be like Nora.”
Thrillseeking has become something of a birthday tradition for Nora. For her 100th birthday, she took a spin in a sports car, and for her 103rd, she flew in a glider and experienced a loop-the-loop in the cockpit.
Nora has said she credits her longevity to exercise and prioritising health over beauty.
Alongside the tank ride, she has received more than 200 birthday cards from all over the world, including a photo and message from the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kev Bland, founder of the Leg Up Project, helped arrange the tank ride after seeing a post about Nora’s request.
“Somebody tagged me in a post saying can we get Nora a tank ride, I thought that’s an interesting request. I had a ring round and found Armourgeddon, and it went from there,” he said.
“I’ve had to compose myself. Anybody who’s been in a tank, it is uncomfortable, but she got in there, there were a few smiles, and got back out laughing and joking, it got emotional.
“She’s an amazing lady, unbelievably inspirational.”
Asked what she wants to do next, Nora said: “Stand on the wing of a plane, but you won’t let me do it.”
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