Durban North man celebrates 100th birthday in lockdown
Durban North resident, Desmond Smith celebrated his 100th birthday in lockdown.
MEMBERS of the Durban North community went out into the street to sing happy birthday to Desmond Smith, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday.
Smith, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said the gesture was a pleasant surprise.
“It felt amazing. Apart from having muscle wastage, I don’t feel that old,” he said.
Neighbour, Jacqueline Thompson shared a video of the mini celebration on the Durban North Neighbors Facebook page.
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“He was going to have a party at the Golden Hours Market. It’s such a special birthday and I felt so bad that he wasn’t able to celebrate it, I tried to think what we coukd do to make it special,” she said.
“We kept our social distancing and a few neighbors came out to sing happy birthday,” she added.
Daughter, Christine Furner said the party they planned to host was cancelled due to the national lockdown.
“We are waiting for his letter from the Queen and there’s a big parcel coming from all the children and grandchildren overseas which is sitting in customs. When our neighbors gathered outside to sing, it was very, very sepcial,” she said.
Smith was born in Leeds, Yorkshire. He travelled extensively during his career as a mechanical engineer.
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