A centenarian animal advocate is celebrating 100 years of a life dedicated to science and wildlife.
Helen Verdcourt, who is cared for by staff at Right at Home Maidenhead, turned 100 on Tuesday (November 5).
Looking back on her time, she recounts adventures in Africa, her groundbreaking work in science, and her lifelong dedication to animal welfare.
Helen spent her early years growing up in Kenya surrounded by giraffes, elephants and rhinos. This was the happiest time of her life, she said.
At age 10, Helen was sent to England to attend St Christopher’s School in Letchworth.
It was starkly different from her life in Kenya, but allowed her to get the education she needed to eventually pursue a BSc in science, specialising in antibiotic research.
She contributed significantly to early studies on antibiotics, including tests on penicillin and streptomycin.
Despite the challenges of scientific experimentation, her commitment to humane treatment was unshakable.
Having had to test on mice and rats in the early days, the final test ‘was a nasty one,’ she recalls.
“I had to kill something, and I wouldn’t,” said Helen. “I hated to see animals being killed.”
Her ethical stance in science was reflected elsewhere in her later efforts in animal welfare.
A pivotal moment in Helen’s life came when she rescued her cat, Suki.
Helen describes how she saved the kitten from being drowned at three days old, bottle-feeding her with a pipette and raising her into a healthy companion.
In addition to her animal rights concerns, she has also been passionate about conservation. Helen’s love for Sir David Attenborough’s conservation work has inspired her to support environmental and wildlife charities.
Helen’s caregiver, Faye, said: “Helen is a joy to be around, I thoroughly enjoy hearing her stories about her sitting on the roof of Reading College for two years to pay for her education by being a bombing warden, which entailed keeping a watchful eye over the sky in case of air strikes.
“She is an inspiration to me and many of our other caregivers.”
Helen’s birthday celebration was attended by the Deputy Mayor of The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Cllr Mandy Brar, and her husband Harry Brar.
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