Coronavirus vaccine brings new optimism for 105-year-old Kaye

After months of isolation from their loved ones, the coronavirus vaccine means there is a light at the end of the tunnel for both vulnerable residents and the care staff who have worked around the clock to keep them safe.

Among those rolling up their sleeves to receive the vaccine last week was 105-year-old Kaye Williams, who lives at Bromyard's Highwell House nursing home.

A well-known face in the town, Kaye, who has lived through two world wars and a previous pandemic, was given her coronavirus vaccine by Nunwell Surgery GP, Dr Alistair Garner, on Friday (January 8).

105-year-old Herefordshire care home resident Kaye Williams gets her coronavirus vaccine. Photo: Trudi Barnett

Highwell House registered manager Trudi Barnett said: "Kaye is a truly remarkable lady who inspires us every day, she is fit, healthy, fully mobile, has some wonderful stories and memories and remains absolutely full of life. Quite frankly an inspiration who we treasure with all of our hearts.

"We’ve protected her with every inch of our being for 11 months, and finally science gave us a helping hand.

"The vaccination day went incredibly well, we managed to vaccinate all residents and all remaining staff who had yet to receive their first vaccine without a hitch. My team at Highwell House are incredible every day, but yet again they all stepped up when I needed them, and we ensured everything ran smoothly and efficiently during the whole process.

"I would also like to express my grateful thanks to Dr Alistair Garner and the whole team at Nunwell Surgery, and to Taurus Healthcare, who are doing a great job supporting our GPs.

"The surgery has been incredible at ensuring the vaccinations have been provided to both our staff and residents in a swift, professional and supportive way. They have a mammoth task in rolling out this vaccination programme, they are doing a fabulous job and deserve a special mention for all they are doing."