‘I don’t feel old at all’ says Marian, 103

Independent woman . . . Marian Wolfenden celebrates her 103rd birthday on Saturday

STAYING independent has proved the key to a long life for sprightly Marian Wolfenden, who celebrates her 103rd birthday on Saturday.

Lively Marian lived alone in her Watersheddings home until the grand age of 102 before she moved to the Millfield residential home in Waterhead only eight months ago.

She said: “I don’t smoke or drink and I’ve enjoyed staying independent with the help of my family. I’ve always lived life on the straight and narrow and always lived my life believing that it’s important never to turn your back on someone when they need your help.

“I don’t feel old at all. It’s only when people remind me that I’m nearly 103 that I remember how old I am.”

Marian was born in Hollinwood and married her husband, Dudley, in the late 1930s.

She spent some years as a home maker before the couple opened a herbalist shop in Waterloo Street after Dudley struggled to find work as an engineer.

The couple had one child, Brenda Fletcher, who sadly died in the mid-1980s, and Dudley died soon after.

Marian, who also has two grandchildren and a great-grandchild, will be marking her milestone with fellow Millfield residents at a special party tomorrow, before her family join her for more celebrations on Saturday.

Ann Walsh, hospitality manager at the home, said: “Marian is a wonderful resident and really easy to look after. She’s very outspoken and strong willed and a delight to have around.”