A 99-year-old woman, just days away from her 100th birthday, is a heavy smoker, puffing on 40 cigarettes daily, with no intention of quitting soon. She attributes her long life to her peculiar routine of consuming marmalade and a significant number of cigarettes every day. Despite her advanced age, Margaret Ham from Basingstoke maintains her independence, moving around her home with a slow but steady gait.
Margaret, a great-grandmother who enjoys copious amounts of Yorkshire tea, has defied health warnings associated with smoking while indulging in various other pleasures. Her granddaughter, Rachael Matthews, emphasized Margaret’s steadfast commitment to smoking, stating that she has no plans to stop the habit anytime soon. Rachael shared that Margaret’s preferences include rich Yorkshire tea with full cream milk, thick butter, and marmalade, highlighting her resilient nature.
The family matriarch’s determination to continue her lifestyle choices was reinforced after her daughter passed away at 52 while attempting to adopt a healthier regimen. Rachael expressed the irony of this situation and emphasized Margaret’s resolve to persevere despite challenges. To mark her upcoming centenary, Rachael is encouraging people to send birthday cards to Margaret, who appreciates spending time with family, particularly her great-granddaughter Megan.
Margaret’s life journey began in Bristol in 1926, where she witnessed the hardships of war. She eventually joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during her teenage years, serving for two years before settling in Kilburn, where she met her husband and raised her children. The family later relocated to Basingstoke to be closer to their relatives.
To celebrate Margaret’s milestone birthday, Rachael is requesting well-wishers to send birthday cards to her address, ensuring that her grandmother receives a flood of greetings. The family’s history, resilience, and Margaret’s unique longevity offer a remarkable story worth celebrating.
