…my mum was born, in Bethnal Green, in the east end of London. Looking at pictures of her as a child, she always had a smile on her face, even in school photos when so many of her classmates frowned at the camera. Today, she lives in a nursing home, and despite having problems communicating, she seems to be the happiest of all the residents, and even manages to cheer the staff up too!

So my brother Martin and I went and wished her a happy 84th birthday today. Here, she has just caught sight of one of the carers walking up to her with a birthday cake, ensuring that her face is lit up more than ever! I must say, the cake was lovely, a warm apple and strawberry jam sponge.

Happy Birthday, Mum!