TRAGEDY surrounded the early life of Ann Lovett.

But she battled on to overcome her heartaches - and on Monday celebrated her 100th birthday.

Ann was born in Hindley and after her mother died in childbirth, she was adopted and brought up by an aunt.

She did not see much of her father, who ran a grocery shop in Haydock, because he was always busy.

At the age of 19, after she underwent a mastectomy, it was discovered she had not been suffering from cancer, but the surgery left her with a partly paralysed hand and arm.

In 1922 Ann married Jimmy Lovett, who died from cancer of the kidney shortly after. She never married again.

Despite her misfortune Ann never blames anyone and says she had a good childhood.

She went to St Peter's School, leaving at the age of 13 to work in Golborne making parts for hospital beds.

Ann moved into the Bedford Care Centre, Pennington House, Leigh, in 1993 and settled in very well.

She loves going on outings and playing dominoes - without glasses - and can give everyone who joins in a run for their money.

Ann, whose hobbies were sewing and reading, is still an active member of the unit, and is looking forward to her next holiday in October.

Mayoress Eveleyne Smith called in to congratulate Ann. 139/198/9

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