Celebrating A CENTURY

It was a special day for Lil Thomas when she got to mark her 100th birthday with her older sister by her side

- KARA O'NEILL, HOLLY SAWYER

Anyone would agree that turning 100 is a momentous occasion that not many people get to celebrate.

Fittingly, it’s marked by a telegram from the Queen and – hopefully – a big party with lots of cake.

But while celebrating your 100th birthday might seem a pretty rare feat, it’s even more unusual to raise a glass with your elder sibling by your side.

But Lil Thomas, who turned 100 last December, got to do exactly that.

The centenarian marked the momentous occasion with a party thrown for her by staff at the assisted-living home where she lives. By her side was Amy, affectionately known to family and friends as Win.

Between them, the extraordinary sisters have now received 10 birthday cards from the Queen – with the collection recently growing in January this year, when Win turned a wonderful 109.

In their younger years, Lil and Win were performers.

Originally from Pillgwenlly in Newport, Wales, the two sisters graced the stage of Newport’s Empire Theatre, showcasing a variety of their talents.

‘I was fortunate enough to have a pitch-perfect voice at the age of two,’ Lil says. ‘It was like Katherine Jenkins, but just not trained.

‘I sang, tap-danced, and also played the accordion, while Win was part of a dance troupe.

‘She was known as the highest kicker in the county!’

Lil met her husband, Donald – and as a couple, in 1938, they took jobs as caretakers of the Bridge Inn in Llangwm, Wales.