Margaret Ham, a woman from Basingstoke, England, is set to celebrate her 100th birthday, attributing her longevity to a diet rich in marmalade and a consistent habit of smoking approximately 40 cigarettes daily. Despite enduring health warnings, Ham maintains her smoking routine, which she has upheld for decades.
Her granddaughter, Rachael Matthews, described Ham as someone who "hobbles and potters" around her home independently, fueled by "Yorkshire Tea by the gallon" and thick slices of buttered toast with marmalade. Matthews noted that her grandmother has never altered her habits, even as others from her generation have, stating, "A lot of the generation from back then are just made of different stuff."
Ham's lifestyle stands in stark contrast to that of her daughter, Sheila, who pursued a health kick and tragically passed away at the age of 52. Ham reportedly remarked about her own continued habits, "well, I’m just going to keep going!"
Born in Bristol in 1926, Ham grew up during World War II. She has recounted memories of living through the war, including the frightening sight of a bomber plane flying low and crashing nearby. She later joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) around the age of 18, serving for two years. After her service, she moved to Kilburn, where she met her husband and raised two children, including Matthews' mother.
To celebrate Ham's upcoming milestone birthday on Saturday, June 27, Matthews is organizing a card shower. She hopes to fill her grandmother's home with birthday cards from well-wishers. Cards can be addressed to "Margaret" or "NanNan" and sent to 35 Borodin Close, Basingstoke, RG22 4EN. Matthews visits her grandmother daily, and they share dinner every Sunday. Ham also enjoys spending time with her great-granddaughter, Megan, 23.