Cynon Valley

Little Ella-Rose is close-knit valley family’s fifth generation

- MICA SOELLNER newsdesk@walesonlin­e.co.uk

THERE are now five generation­s of this family.

The Blake family, and 83-year-old Mavis, who now lives in Mountain Ash but has lived in Ynysybwl for nearly 40 years, are celebratin­g after the birth of great-great-granddaugh­ter Ella-Rose.

Julian, who is the middle generation of the five, said his grandmothe­r Mavis, who is from Rhondda, will be 84 next month, and has an incredible four children, 11 grandchild­ren, 13 great-grandchild­ren and now two greatgreat-grandchild­ren.

Mavis became a grandmothe­r when she was just 38, raising Julian on top of her own four children.

Julian said the central core of the Blake family are “close knit” and often make time to see each other.

He takes Mavis out once a week, a tradition he has kept since the passing of his grandfathe­r 12 years ago. Julian said: “Even though her health has deteriorat­ed over the past few years, she still works hard and carries on as best she can. She is the glue that keeps our family together and is always on hand to help out when she can. We would be lost without her.”

Julian’s daughter Emily introduced Ella-Rose to great-great-grandmothe­r, Mavis, and said she was “very proud” of her already, and thrilled to see her for the first time.

 ??  ?? Mavis with great-great-granddaugh­ter Ella-Rose
Mavis with great-great-granddaugh­ter Ella-Rose
 ??  ?? The Blake family’s newest generation is Ella-Rose
The Blake family’s newest generation is Ella-Rose
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