Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

'She's a tough old bird': The 102-year-old who looks 'better than ever' after surviving coronavirus

A 102-year-old thought to be one of the UK's oldest coronavirus survivors has credited care home staff for her amazing recovery.

Mary Catterall, who celebrated her 102nd birthday at the end of February, tested positive for the virus at the end of May.

Despite some fears she may not make it, five weeks later her family has said she is now looking 'better than ever'

Her daughter, Edith Oakes, 75, said: "She looked really good when I went to see her last. The staff at the home have taken really good care of her.

"It’s only in the last couple of weeks that I have been able to see her, and that has been wonderful.

"The staff had been sending me video calls so I was able to see her, but seeing her in person, she was looking really well."

Mary, who has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, has been living at Birch Court Care Home in Warrington for the past six years.

Edith credited the staff at the home for why she has recovered so quickly.

Born in February 1918, Mary moved to the area when she was around five. She left school aged 14 and worked at Cockhedge Mill before working in munitions during the Second World War.

Edith, who said her mother loved music and travelling, said: "The last time we spoke to her she said, ‘it’s about time I kicked the bucket!’

"She is a tough old bird. She’s now looking better than ever."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.