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A 104-year-old woman who has lived through two world wars and the Spanish flu just conquered the novel coronavirus in the United Kingdom.
COVID-19 survivor Jane Collins revealed that champagne is the secret to her long life, South West News Service reported via Yahoo News yesterday, June 3. She is also one of the oldest people to contract the virus in the country.
After Collins fought the disease for 10 days, she is now back at her care home in Derby and enjoys her “winning combination” of cake and champagne.
Collins was admitted into the hospital after feeling “unusually lethargic.” After 24 hours, it was confirmed she had coronavirus.
Her great-grandniece, Sarah Balmforth, recounted in the report how they were told to “expect the worst due to her age and frailty.” But despite all odds, Collins grew “stronger and stronger each day.”
“It was worrying because you wonder if a 104-year-old still has enough in her to survive, but she absolutely did,” Balmforth was quoted as saying. “She had an iron constitution and she was [strong-willed].”
“She loved red wine and a glass of champagne — that’s her secret,” the great-grandniece added.
Balmforth also considers Collins her “second mom.” The elderly woman has been living in a care home for the past 18 months, as per report. Prior to that, she lived alone until she was 102 years old after her husband died over 50 years ago. Collins also worked in healthcare for the majority of her life.
Balmforth described Collins as “a character” who loves taking care of herself and making an entrance.
“She’s a source of pride for me, she’s as sharp as she’s ever been and still has her wits about her,” Balmforth said in the report. “It’s not surprising at all that she has survived everything that she has, I think it’ll take quite a bit more.” Cha Lino/JB
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