A woman who raised money for charities right up until her late 90's celebrated a very special birthday surrounded by her loved ones.
On July 13, Mary Johnson will be turning 100 as she is set to bring in the momentous occasion surrounded by her family. But going the extra mile, close friends at the Gate Community Centre in Huyton, pulled off a surprise party for the much-loved pensioner.
Staff at the centre wanted to give Mary, who has spent most of her life raising funds for different charities close to her heart, a very special celebration for a very special milestone. As well as being surrounded by her loved ones, Mayor of Knowsley Eddie Connor turned up with a bouquet of flowers for "Huyton's Queen" and an afternoon of entertainment commenced.
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Speaking to the ECHO, Mary said the secret to a long and happy life was to "keep going and stop moaning". Mary, who lives on Princess Drive, attends the Gate Community Centre every Friday as she said: "It's fantastic, I'd be lost without it. I look forward to it ever Friday, all of my friends are here."
The soon-to-be 100-year-old has dedicated her life to giving back to causes she believes in, including completing a Race for Life at the age of 94 and two sponsored swims over the age of 95, before the pandemic suspended her fundraising events.
A spokesman for the centre said: "Mary has done an awful lot of charity work over the years, she's done so much for cancer charities, CAFOD, Sickle Cell Disease. She will do anything for anyone and anything.
"She even swims 22 lengths every single morning. She's been coming here for 22 years and always helps out with everything, you wouldn't believe she's turning 100."
During the war, Mary worked on the spitfires with transmitting and radios before working at Crawford's before she retired. Speaking to the ECHO about her happiest memories she said: "I've had loads of happy memories but most when my grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. I remember my eldest grandson getting his Masters degree."
Chatting about the special surprise party at the centre, Mary - who has been a Labour supporter for 66 years, said: "Everything has been the best. It's fantastic, I've never had anything like it."
The Gate Community Centre is a hub at the heart of the Huyton community, providing events for people of all ages and needs.
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