An extraordinary 103-year-old woman has achieved the title of the oldest female volunteer globally for her long-standing dedication to assisting in a hospital cafe. Beryl Carr, a centenarian, spends one day each week volunteering at the Friends Café located in Ealing Hospital in west London. Beginning her volunteer work at the age of 80 in 2003, Beryl has been actively involved in food preparation and operating the till. With over two decades of service, Beryl has now been officially recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest female volunteer worldwide.
Expressing her joy and fulfillment from volunteering, Beryl emphasized her love for the social aspect of the activity, highlighting her preference for interaction over passive television viewing. She emphasized the mutual benefits of volunteering, citing it as a source of personal rejuvenation and recommending it to individuals of all ages.
Ann Cousins, the manager of Friends Café, commended Beryl for her exceptional dedication, describing her as a well-known figure within the hospital community cherished for her engaging conversations. Born in 1922 during the reign of George V, amidst historical events such as Gandhi’s incarceration and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, Beryl has endured significant challenges, including surviving the Blitz during World War Two and contributing to the war effort through various roles.
Reflecting on her life experiences, including a 60-year marriage to her late husband Bill and their daughter Val, Beryl shared her perspective on the current global landscape, expressing concern over prevalent conflicts and the impact of wartime memories on her perception of modern-day news coverage. Recalling her personal encounters during the war, Beryl highlighted the enduring hardships faced by individuals during and after the conflict era.
In her resilient journey through time, Beryl’s story resonates as a testament to the strength of volunteerism, community spirit, and the enduring power of human connection across generations.