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More on KentOnline
A retired maternity nurse has marked her 100th birthday, admitting "a bit of what you fancy does you good".
Veteran healthcare professional Sybil Studden, from Southfleet, has travelled from India to Zimbabwe to care for others.
Born in Folkestone, Sybil lived in India for the first few years of her life with her three sisters and two brothers after her father was deployed to the country as a saddler in the army.
In her early teens, Sybil and her family returned to Welling where she worked in retail.
When she was 18, she began training as a nurse in Folkestone as the Second World War began.
Sybil said: "I have very fond memories of this time, particularly on evenings off when we would socialise and dance, but we had to be adept at sneaking back into the home well past curfew.
"It was hard, challenging work but I found it very satisfying and rewarding."
When Sybil was 31 she emigrated to Zimbabwe, but reluctantly moved back to the UK in 1968 amid growing political tension.
She spent time living in south Wales until she moved to Brakefield Road in Southfleet and worked as a maternity nurse at Gravesend Hospital.
Sybil has lived in the village for the past 33 years and is still a very proud member of the local community.
After she retired as a nurse she worked as a cleaner at The Ship Inn in Warren Road, Southfleet, well into her 80s.
Sybil said: "I believe that longevity is in the genes but you also must keep the body and mind active.
"I've always eaten a healthy diet, although I am a chocoholic, but a bit of what you fancy does you good.
"I have very many fond memories of travelling in India and Zimbabwe, particularly seeing the famous Victoria Falls, as well as the birth of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"I've had a very interesting and fulfilling life and I'm looking forward to the next few years."
Sybil has four children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who celebrated her birthday with her virtually on March 4.
