What a woman!

Judith Taylor, of Kenmor Avenue, Elton, said: "So many people have been phoning me and congratulating me. It has been great. It was a complete surprise to me when my name was called out.

"I really did not think for one minute that I would win. I just thoroughly enjoyed the day as we were all made to feel very special."

The 53-year-old disabled wife and mum was nominated for her dedication and commitment to local charities.

For seven years she ran the Walmersley Road Care Group which provided second-hand furniture for people in need.

"It started out through my church, Seedfield Methodist Church. Someone needed a spare bed and we had one. From then on it just escalated," recalled Judith under whose direction the project expanded rapidly.

She is also chairman of Connections, a help-group for the disabled. Giving up her own time and resources, Judith organises regular social events for members of Shopmobility which helps disabled people with transport and shopping, and for carers belonging to the Carers' Partnership.

"Having a social life is very important for disabled people. I want to give them the best opportunities that I can," said Judith.

"Often people think because you are disabled you can't have a good quality of life and that is rubbish. That is why going out with friends on these trips is so important to the members." Judith is well equipped to talk about the difficulties facing disabled people as she was diagnosed as a "spastic diaplegic" when she was just 18 months old.

The doctors told her distraught family that she would never walk or talk and the chances of having a "normal" life were very slim.

Her condition, which affects the nervous system, has badly affected her legs. But despite the gloomy prognosis, Judith's parents were determined their child would walk and talk.

Thanks to her courage and support from her family, Judith beat the odds. She learnt to walk and talk and cope with her disability.

But she admitted: "It was difficult because I was such a mess when I was born. But my parents would not give up. They pushed me and my father was very stubborn.

"They made me believe that I could do anything, and I am very grateful for that."

Judith was born in Oldham and when she was three her parents moved to Tottington.

SHE did not start school until she was seven and in those days she was not permitted to attend a local school. Instead, Judith attended a school for disabled children in the Lake District and would see her parents and two brothers at weekends and holidays.

"I loved every minute at the school," remembers Judith. "It gave me confidence and courage."

When she was 11 she went to a school in Bolton before going to college to learn office skills.

Throughout her life Judith has had to endure a number of operations and treatment to straighten her legs and help her walk.

Although mobility is a problem, she can manage with the aid of walking sticks. But being disabled is something Judith has learnt to accept.

She explained: "It has always been a part of my life. The way I see things is that I have a life to live. I will not get another chance so the best thing to do is just get on with it."

Judith was able to hold down a full-time job and while working at the Gas Board in Bolton she met her husband, Peter. The couple married and had a son, Christopher, 15 years ago. Having a baby was a huge challenge in Judith's life and although it was hard at times, she and Peter were elated.

"Having children is never really discussed with disabled people," said Judith. "I had to approach the doctors myself to see if it was possible."

The birth of her son changed her life.

"I gave up my job. It was the best thing having a baby and I wanted to look after him myself. Christopher was my priority."

It was then that Judith began her voluntary work. As a member of Shopmobility Judith was asked to join the Connections committee when it was started about three years ago.

And thanks to her enthusiasm and dedication, the group has gone from strength to strength.

Judith regularly takes members on holidays and day trips. She is responsible for checking the venues to see if they have good access for disabled people, organising appropriate transport and administration work that goes with it.

"It is hard work but when you see how delighted the members are it makes it all worthwhile," she said. "Last year an 80-year-old woman came on a trip to Llandudno and it was the first time she had been on holiday for 10 years.

"It is things like that that reminds me why I am doing it."

WHEN Judith is not using her time to help others, she enjoys singing with the Astrel Players in Bury. She is also a dedicated mother and wife and says her family and friends are at the top of her list of priorities.

Judith considers being named Bury Woman of the Year 1999 a great privilege.

"I am thrilled and very flattered. My motto is to give everything I do 100 per cent and that is what I intend to do as Woman of the Year," said Judith. "I will be wearing my new title with pride. And do everything I can to give something back to the people of Bury."

"I hope to raise awareness of the problems facing disabled people and help improve facilities for them."

She also wants to do everything she can for Bury Hospice which will benefit from any profits generated by the Woman of the Year competition.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.