Nina Long celebrates her 100th birthday

Submitted by Home Place

A member of the Greenwich community in London recently celebrated his 100th birthday and is celebrating this milestone by raising funds for the ‘Together We Grow’ project, run by the local charity Skills and Care Greenwich.

Nina Long has so far raised over £ 1,500 for the charity, which supports marginalized older people in the community, including many people of Gurkha Nepalese descent and those living in poverty.

Nina chose to fundraise for the project, having been the longest-serving volunteer.

The local hero has supported Skills and Care since its launch because she remembered the Gurkha when she served in the armed forces.

Nina has been actively involved in many fundraising events with Skills and Care Greenwich, including fundraising for the Nepal earthquake appeal, wanting to help Gurkha Widows within the local community.

The ‘Together We Grow’ project was launched in partnership with the Department of Defense in 2015, providing a space for former citizens of the armed forces and the local community of Greenwich to come together.

The project is based in a community housing estate in Middle Park, Eltham, where people can socialize and grow plants together. It is commonly used by the Gurkha Widows and Veterans group, as many reside in the area.

Nina’s donations will be used to repair the subdivision and its shelter, as well as to buy compost, seeds and gardening tools.

The project was particularly important throughout the pandemic, as it was a place where older people could safely spend time together and maintain their physical and mental health.

Nina said: “Thank you to everyone who donated. I am so happy to have turned 100 and wanted to celebrate it by giving back to my local community, which has supported me so much throughout my life. It feels good to be able to make a difference even though I am unable to go out and help physically.

“Local attribution plays such an important role in the community, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation. I hope this is something that will continue for many years to come. “

Sonia Thapa, co-founder of Skills and Care Greenwich and co-founder of Home Place Greenwich and Blexley commented: “Nina is such a wonderful and inspiring woman. Even at 100, she has such a wonderful mind and memory, remembering each of our faces and always wanting to make a positive impact on her community.

“She has dedicated so many years of her life to volunteering and helping others, which she now pursues by dedicating one of her biggest milestones to fundraising for our charity.

“She has been so welcoming to the Gurkha people within the local community, helping them to integrate and socialize during a difficult time. We are very grateful for all your support, Nina.”

To donate to Nina’s 100th Birthday Fundraiser, please visit here.

To learn more about Skills and Care Greenwich and its community initiatives, please visit here.

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