Lymm resident Gladys Taylor will reach a remarkable milestone; tomorrow, she celebrates her 104th birthday.
Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow volunteers, Gladys was treated to an early surprise party at the St Rocco’s Hospice charity shop on The Cross, where she remarkably still works once a week.
Born on 12 April 1922, Gladys grew up in Altrincham before moving to the Oughtrington area of Lymm over 80 years ago. For decades, she was a familiar face on Mill Lane, where she ran a successful hairdressing business.
Today, she is better known as the village’s oldest volunteer, affectionately referring to herself as the “fashion consultant” at the hospice shop.
Beyond her work at the charity shop, Gladys remains an active and inspiring pillar of the local community. She is a dedicated member of the Heatley Women’s Institute (WI) in Lymm, where her positive outlook and sharp wit continue to motivate fellow members.
Her secret to such a long and healthy life? Gladys credits: A sensible diet and daily walks, a firm rule never to worry about things you cannot change and the joy of “meeting all the lovely people” in her life.
The birthday festivities began early with a surprise party featuring a custom cake, cards, and flowers provided by the team at St Rocco’s and the local radio station Mix 56, which counts Gladys as one of its most loyal listeners.
“All these lovely people making a fuss just for me,” Gladys said during the celebrations. “Aren’t they kind, just wonderful. Thank you all for thinking of me”.
