'It was very emotional to see her' says daughter of Preston care home mum celebrating 101st birthday

She was in tears when she found out she could spend time with her mum May Lister on her birthday.

Pauline Archer was finally able to visit The Brambles Care Home to hold her mums' hand and celebrate with her yesterday as she turned 101 years old.

After missing her 100th birthday last March due to the initial lockdown, this was a moment that she hailed as 'amazing'.

Speaking to the Post, she said: "It was very emotional really and thinking back to a few months ago, I didn't think I would be able to manage it.

"I got tearful when I was told I could come and be with her. It was truly amazing to see her and be able to touch her again after such a difficult year.

"I made her a cake and I knew the home was working very hard to plan events for her and the residents to celebrate with her."

It was just a few short months ago, in January, when Pauline feared she would lose her mum May, who suffers from dementia, after receiving a call telling her she was unwell.

She said she went to bed thinking she would 'get a call in the night with the bad news'.

But by the following morning, May had bounced back and was enjoying her breakfast at the New Longton care home.

Pauline added: "To see her reach 101 is really extraordinary. She is so strong and always fights back, it is truly amazing.

"On her birthday she looked so wonderful, she had her hair done and was so bright and rallied to the occasion. I really thought it would be another year of not seeing her or waving through a window, so to be able to actually be with her was so special.

"Care homes have had a lot of criticism throughout this pandemic, but this shows a real positive side to things and shows how hard care home staff work and how they have cared for the residents through such difficult times."

The care home, on Park Avenue, has remained Covid-free throughout the pandemic and are now allowing one allocated family member into the home, in line with Government guidance.

And yesterday they were thrilled to hold a birthday party for resident May Lister, with live singing and even a glass of champagne.

Guloo Virdee, Director, said: “On behalf of all the staff and residents at The Brambles Care Home I would like to wish May a very happy 101st birthday. It is an absolute honour to celebrate her life.

"The staff have been absolutely fantastic during the pandemic and have kept the home entirely Covid free. We were able to hold a lovely party for her with live singing, a bit of champagne and even pass the parcel! We wish her the best and hope she will be with us for many more birthdays to come.

"This year has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone but particularly for our residents who have only been able to see beloved family members from a distance or through a window.

"Now we are allowed one family member back into the home, we can already see what a difference it has made to our residents, to both their physical and mental health and well being.

"This is a reminder to us all that we are heading back to some level of normality.”

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