A GREAT-GRAN has turned 100 but ‘still feels 21-years-old’ on the inside.

Centenarian Annie Cannon is celebrating the milestone birthday at home in Merrylee with her family.

Despite struggling with hearing loss, back problems and kidney issues, her family say she has never stopped being “cheery” and “a good laugh”.

Now her daughter has revealed she believes the secret to her living a long life was "being tough".

It comes as Annie grew up in Ireland before moving to Glasgow to be with loved ones five years ago.

She had worked as a farmer and in hospitals before having two children, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Annie has lived through the Second World War, the moon landing, 9/11, the Berlin Wall being built and destroyed, JFK being assassinated and McDonald's being founded.

Glasgow Times: Annie was sent a certificate from the president of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. Annie was sent a certificate from the president of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. (Image: Sourced)

Speaking to the Glasgow Times her daughter, Bridie, said: “My mum still thinks she is 21, I don’t think she likes feeling older.

“Who knows what she was up to back then, madness probably, the world would have been a very different place back then.

“She has health issues now but has always been a really good laugh and fun time, she is cheery.

“She is a tough woman, I think that's why she has been here for so long.

“It is great she has turned 100 but I think she would like to be a lot younger.”

Now Annie is overjoyed at receiving lots of birthday cards from friends and family, along with a certificate from the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.

Bridie went on to praise her mother's compassion and “kindness” as her strengths.

She said: “The biggest thing I learned from my mum is just to get on with things no matter what during life.

“She also taught me a lot of kindness, she has always been really great with children and been so good to others.

“Even now she has outlived my dad and her husband, Manus Cannon, as well as her siblings and friends - she still has so many birthday cards from people reaching out.

“She even got a letter from the president of Ireland today so she was really happy with that."

 

Bridie added: “My mum was well looked after during Covid as well and luckily never caught anything.

“We had all been worried but she did really well, we just thought 'good on her for coming this far'.

“Our family is coming up to the house tonight to celebrate her birthday."

If you or someone you know is turning 100 then reach out to the Glasgow Times to tell us your story by contacting kirsty.feerick@newsquest.co.uk