‘Independent woman’ Edie marks her century

A WOMAN who spent much of her working life in newspapers made the news herself as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Edie Hurst, who ran a newsagent’s shop in Tape Street, Cheadle for more than 30 years with her late husband, Arthur, marked her big day on Sunday with a party for friends and family at Checkley Cricket Club.

And special guest was Mavis Williams, a volunteer with Moorlands Home Link, who has been visiting Edie each Friday for almost seven years after the pair were matched up by the charity’s befriending service manager Diane Sellers.

Diane, who presented Edie with a bouquet of flowers to mark her century, said: “Edie is a very independent lady who copes very well at home on her own with the support of her nieces and nephews.

“She is the last of a family of 11 children and, as a sociable person and ex-member of Cheadle Townswomen’s Guild, she missed the social contact she once had when she was out and about.

“Having Mavis visit her each week has given her something to look forward to and helped her to keep her independence.”

More than 100 volunteers are helping Moorlands Home Link to fight loneliness in the Leek and Cheadle areas every week by bringing vital contact and support to elderly people living on their own.

For further information call the charity’s Cheadle office on 01538 750511 or befriending service manager Diane Sellers if you would like to find out more about having, or being, a befriender.

Pictured is befriending service manager Diane Sellers presenting a bouquet to Edie.