'100’ wish comes true (From Witney Gazette)

'100’ wish comes true

9:00am Wednesday 11th October 2006 in Witney By Phil Vinter

A FORMER pub landlady who was unable to walk seven months ago battled back to stroll proudly into her 100th birthday party on the arms of her two grandsons.

Gladys Turner, of Witney, could only shuffle, using a zimmer frame, after a second hip operation in March this year.

But last week, the great-grandma was greeted with a round of applause as her grandsons Andrew and David escorted her into her party to celebrate a century of life.

A delighted Mrs Turner kissed the Queen's photograph on the birthday card her favourite Royal sent her to mark the occasion.

She had only moved into Mill House nursing home in March this year, after the hip operation, which left her unable to walk.

Her only daughter, Maureen McKay, said: "What she wanted for her birthday was to walk, and she put a huge amount of effort in to try to get back on her feet.

"It was so good to see her walk into her own party on the arms of her grandsons. She looked very happy."

Mrs Turner was born in Liverpool in 1906, and being the eldest of ten children, she spent much of her childhood helping to bring up her siblings after her parents separated.

She then looked after her father when he became ill, and didn't marry until she was 40 years old.

After making napsacks during the Second World War, Mrs Turner went on to run a pub in Angelsey with her second husband in 1951.

When she retired from the pub trade, she became a dinner lady, and worked until she was 70.

Mrs McKay added: "At her party, she was very gracious, and wanted to make sure everyone had had champagne and cake, and wanted to thank everyone for coming.

"She is the most brilliant lady. She has always put everybody else's needs before her own, and she is much loved by those who knows her."

Mrs Turner moved into sheltered housing in Witney four years ago, and Mrs McKay has helped to look after her ever since.

She received 34 cards for her birthday.