THE WOMAN AGED 106 WHO SURVIVED THE VIRUS
POLLY ‘FITTER AND HEALTHIER THAN EVER’ AFTER TESTING POSITIVE AT END OF YEAR
THERE are many things to toast on your 106th birthday – but the celebrations are extra special when you’ve beaten Covid.
Mary ‘Polly’ Nicholson said she felt ‘healthier than ever’ after overcoming the virus in time for her big day on Tuesday, having tested positive on New Year’s Eve.
‘I couldn’t tell you how lovely my birthday has been,’ said the resilient centenarian. ‘It’s nice to be able to celebrate after being in isolation.
‘But I’m feeling good and nothing can hold me back. I’ll get back to normal as quickly as I can.’
Staff at Elizabeth Court care home in St Helens, Merseyside, sang Polly a birthday song and presented her with a cake. Sadly, due to virus restrictions, she was unable to see her family but is looking forward to celebrating with them once ‘all this Covid is done’.
She said: ‘I love them all to bits and they mean the world to me. I wish they could be with me here today.’
Polly, who never married or had children, said the secret to a long life is drinking full-fat milk and enjoying a ‘tipple of whisky at night’.
Born on January 12, 1915, the former canteen cook lost both parents when she was young. Her niece Jean Humphreys, 68, from Warrington, said: ‘They didn’t have an easy life, but she persevered and worked hard and she inspires me every day.
‘It was so scary when she was diagnosed with Covid but the most wonderful birthday present we could have asked for is that she’s fit and looks amazing.’