A 103-year-old British woman has achieved global recognition as the world’s oldest female volunteer, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
Beryl Carr, who lives in London, continues her weekly service at the Friends Café in Ealing Hospital, where she has dedicated herself to helping others for over two decades.
The centenarian began her volunteering journey at the age of 80 in 2003, taking on responsibilities including food preparation and till operation.
Her remarkable commitment has now earned her an official listing in the online Guinness Book of Records, confirming her status as the oldest woman actively volunteering anywhere in the world.
Ms Carr’s extraordinary dedication has made her a beloved figure at the hospital over her 22 years of service.
Ann Cousins, who manages the Friends Café, described the record-holder as “a bit of an institution in the hospital,” noting that “everyone knows who she is and loves chatting with her”.
The volunteer expressed her joy about her long service, stating she has “loved every second” of her time at the café.
Her enthusiasm for helping others has remained unwavering throughout the years, despite advancing age.
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She said: “I’ve made a fair few sandwiches in my time but I really enjoy the social side of it. I can’t think of anything worse than being stuck in front of the TV all day.
“The great thing about volunteering is that you are helping other people but in funny way you are helping yourself as well. Volunteering gave me a new lease on life and it is something I would recommend to anyone regardless of their age.”
The official recognition from Guinness World Records celebrates not just her longevity but her continued active contribution to her community through voluntary work.
Born in 1922 during King George V’s reign, Ms Carr has witnessed over a century of history.
Born in 1922 during King George V’s reign, Beryl Carr has witnessed over a century of history
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FRIENDS CAFE EALING HOSPITAL
Her birth year coincided with Gandhi’s imprisonment for resisting British colonial authority and Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber.
Her wartime experiences included surviving the London Blitz, losing her home to bombing, and contributing to Britain’s defence by stitching barrage balloons and serving as a fire watcher.
She encountered her future spouse, Bill, at a wartime dance in 1942, and their marriage lasted six decades until his death.
The couple had one daughter, Val, prompting Ms Carr’s return to London from Cambridgeshire to maintain family closeness.
The centenarian began her volunteering journey at the age of 80 in 2003
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PA
Reflecting on contemporary global affairs, the centenarian expressed distress about ongoing international conflicts featured in current news coverage.
Beryl said: “We spent a lot of time in the bomb shelter in our back garden and one of the nights we chanced sleeping inside there was an air raid and the house was hit. I ended up under a cupboard covered in plaster.
“It’s terrible to see all the news of war on the TV nowadays. When I see those pictures it reminds me of what I lived through in London during the Blitz.
“They weren’t easy times and people forget that rationing continued long after the war.”