Chesterfield woman who didn’t let Covid beat her celebrates her 103rd birthday

One of Derbyshire’s oldest women, Gladys Wildman (born Singleton) marked the milestone at The Heights Care Home in New Tupton on Tuesday.

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Born on February 23, 1918, Gladys grew up on St Augustines Mount, Chesterfield.

Her mother sadly died in childbirth when Gladys was 13 so she had to leave school to help look after her brother and sisters.

She did this until she married Clifford Wildman aged 19 in July 1937.

They moved to New Tupton and had four children, Alan, Ann, Christine and Paul, before relocating to Wingerworth in 1954.

Clifford died in 1989 and soon after that Gladys returned to New Tupton.

She had a few part-time jobs during her married life but in later years she worked at Robinsons in Chesterfield.

Gladys loved gardening, knitting, sewing and flower arranging

Both she and Clifford also loved to sing.

Gladys has eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her daughter Christine said: “Mum has been in The Heights for eight years.

“She tested positive for Covid-19 during the first lockdown but fortunately had no symptoms.

“The Heights staff send us photos of her because we haven’t been able to see her since last March.

“She says the secret to a long life is having a loving family and excellent care from the staff at The Heights!”

Staff at The Heights said: “Gladys is a very special lady to us all and we all spoiled her on her birthday for her family who would dearly loved to have spent the day with her.”

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