A new string to Vilma’s bow

CHRISTMAS wish: Vilma Smith with her ukulele, granddaughter Emily Martin, daughter Corinne Ogden and Saddleworth Round Table chairman Matthew Sykes

THIS Christmas will be tough for Vilma Smith and her close-knit family, who are all coming to terms with losing a beloved husband of 54 years, dad and grandad to a cruel and debilitating disease.

Former Oldham policeman Gordon Smith (77) of Ripponden Road was robbed of the last three years of his lifeof the last three years of his life by the degenerative neurological disorder, multiple system atrophy. Vilma (76) devoted her life to caring for him.

Vilma’s daughter Corinne Ogden, also of Ripponden Road, has been amazed by her mum’s ability to care for her dad despite her own deteriorating eyesight, and thought she deserved something special.

She wrote to the Chronicle and Saddleworth Round Table’s Christmas Wish campaign and we were happy to try to make her small dreams come true.

With the generosity of the Oldham Music Service and Round Table, Vilma is now the proud owner of a ukulele, and has lessons to look forward to in the new year, as well as a Manchester theatre trip with her daughter and granddaughter.

“My mum was worried about being on her own but I’m really proud of the way she is coping, despite her own medical problems,” said Corinne.

“This Christmas will be a difficult time for our small family — my daughter Emily has been very upset at losing her grandad — but this will give us something to look forward to.”

Vilma said: “I’m astounded by this. It has brought a tear to my eye. I could forget about Christmas this year, but this has cheered me up. I’m so looking forward to my ukulele lessons. It’s something I’ve wanted to learn for a long time.”

Head of Oldham Music Service Gerard Booth said: “We are delighted to be able to help out and make this wish come true for Vilma.”