Rose Day volunteers at the day centre

A sprightly pensioner who spends five days a week supporting dementia sufferers took to the dancefloor as she celebrated her 90th birthday.

Rose Day has been working as a volunteer at the Memory Lane Resource Centre, in Porters Avenue, Dagenham, for the past 12 years.

On Friday staff at the centre threw her a surprise celebration to mark her milestone.

Rose, of Thompson Road, Dagenham – who is older than every one of the centre members she cares for – said she loves her work.

“It doesn’t feel like a job at all - it’s far too enjoyable,” she told the Post.

“I get to talk to them, laugh with them, play bingo and card games with them. It’s wonderful.”

Rose began volunteering at the day centre, which offers support and activities to dementia sufferers, when she was 78.

“I decided I’d give it a month,” she explained. “I said that if it didn’t suit me I would leave and told them that they could throw me out if they didn’t like me. It did suit me and thankfully they liked me so I’m still here. And I plan to stay until I drop.”

The former fur machinist said the party was a “marvellous surprise.”

“It was out of this world. There was a great DJ and everyone was dancing, including myself. I am very touched that they organised it for me,” she raved.

Resource manager Angela Sanderson said Rose is a vital part of the day centre.

“The people who come here can really relate to her,” she said. “She talks to them about the old times, like the Blitz. They enjoy that.

“She’s a great character, with an incredible amount of energy. She doesn’t stop. She even walks to the centre every day instead of taking the bus. We’re all in awe of her.”