A kickboxing grandma, believed to be the oldest woman in London, has celebrated her 109th birthday.
The centenarian, Merah Smith, born in 1912, was surrounded by family and friends as she welcomed another birthday.
The former nurse, originally from Jamaica, defied the odds when she regularly attended her local gym every week, up until she was 103.
The grandma had enjoyed regular kickboxing classes and developed a new love for line dancing, but halted her vigorous activities when she sadly developed a knee injury.
But despite having to end her gym session, Mrs Smith still enjoys a healthy life, crediting 'good food' and 'prayer' to her long life.
She said: "Eating good food like chicken, vegetables and fruit. No stress, but most of all reading the bible, praying and trusting in God".
"I tell you what, I didn't expect to live so long but anytime the Lord wants to take me, I trust him, he can take me."
Born in Kingston Jamaica, Mrs Smith had met her husband during the 1930s which she calls her 'favourite decade' - but James sadly passed away from stomach cancer in the 1950s.
Despite the tragedy, Mrs Smith migrated to the UK in 1963, having lived through World War 1 and World War 2.
She is now the mother to three children, grandmother of six, great grandmother of 11 and a great great grandmother of three.
Her daughter, Irene James, 87, who is sadly recovering from a stroke, shares her love and appreciation for her 'lovely' mother.
Worried about Covid affecting her life, she expressed doubts about whether her mother would live so long.
But despite everything, Mrs Smith made it the turbulent year without being affected by Covid.
Her son Tony Smith, 74, a retired decorator, knew she would live a long life, believing her good food and faith in God keeps her feeling young.
He said: "I was so proud when I woke her up this morning - she looked so pleasant and happy. She is so strong and has a sharp memory, and can remember everyone's name in photographs.
"I'm proud of her."
But despite her constant positive outlook of life, Mrs Smith found 2020 a particularly hard year, with Covid stopping her from doing many of her much-loved activities.
Mrs Smith said: "I've seen many things in my life, but this is the worst year I've been through. It's been difficult because I haven't been able to go outside.
"Before Covid, I used to like walking a lot and exercising."
But despite the disheartening year, Mrs Smith still maintains her faith, as she calls on people to turn their hearts towards God and change their ways.
And she thanks her children, Tony, Pat and Irene for helping to look after her.
Mrs Smith hopes to reach the age of 115 and with the way life is going for her, she just may reach it.
