A great-great-grandmother who lives independently and still cooks for herself is celebrating her 104th birthday today.

Lily Molloy, who lives in Moulsecoomb, Brighton, said her secret to a long and healthy life is eating all her veggies and greens.

She has lived in the city all her life and was born in Baxter Street, Hanover, in 1920.

She left school at 14 and worked in a baker’s shop, Stacey’s, in Ditchling Road, and Stainer and Leat, in New England Road.

Lily told The Argus about her time working as a domestic at the Royal Sussex County Hospital throughout the Second World War.

Despite living in Brighton all her life, Lily does not much like the sea. She said: “I couldn't swim, so I couldn’t join the Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service).”

In 1940 she signed up as a ward maid in Brighton General Hospital and ended up tending to the Dunkirk wounded there.

During the war love blossomed when Lily began sending letters to Mickey Molloy, who asked her to write to him while he was away in the Royal Artillery.

The Argus: Lily Batchelor on her wedding day marrying Mickey MolloyLily Batchelor on her wedding day marrying Mickey Molloy (Image: Family handout)

She still has every letter he sent her before they married in Winifrid’s Church, Elm Grove, on 27 April 1946.

“I had a very happy marriage,” said Lily. “He was a local boy.”

Lily left the hospital for a while to raise their three children Terry, Dennis and Tina.

From 1963 to 1967 she worked as tea lady at the then Evening Argus in its Robert Street offices.

“I used to be the tea lady with my tea trolley and I served the staff Kit Kats and cakes,” Lily said.  

Fred Dinenage, who worked as a crime reporter then, has stayed in touch with Lily throughout the years and gave her a special mention on ITV Meridian for her 100th birthday in 2020.

The Argus: Lily Molloy turned 100 in 2020 and received a letter from the QueenLily Molloy turned 100 in 2020 and received a letter from the Queen (Image: Family handout)

Lily lost her husband when he died in a crash in 1983.

She said: “I retired the year my husband died. I have been alone now longer than we were married."

Lily’s greatest loves, other than her husband and family, were reading, writing and dancing.

She said: “I spent many years dancing at the Dome and the Regent. I just loved ballroom dancing.

“I loved to read and write letters too.

“My sight is so precious to me, I can cope with losing my hearing. I still write but I can't read my own writing back. It’s frustrating”

The Argus: One of the last photos of Mickey and Lily Molloy before Mickey diedOne of the last photos of Mickey and Lily Molloy before Mickey died (Image: Family handout)

Now 104, Lily has seen five monarchs and has grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

“I joke that my three children are all OAPs,” she said.

Lily also told The Argus about her daily routine.

“I have a cup of tea first thing,” she said. “If I feel industrious, I put the hoover round.

“I cook every day and my daughter Tina and I will have bacon pudding.”

Lily is celebrating her birthday at home today with family and friends visiting her and she will be having a meal out at the weekend with relatives.