LITTLE Pat Riley came into the world as a surprise baby.

She weighed in at one and a half pounds and was not expected to live.

Next week she becomes a pensioner - celebrating her 60th birthday on August 24.

But life hasn't been easy for Pat.

She was born without heels, nails, eyebrows or lashes and has undergone numerous operations over the years.

Her cousin, Mrs Frances Hill, of Pilling Street, Leigh, said: " It is a miracle she is still here."

Pat, of Westwell Grove, Leigh, a Westleyther through and through, was a pupil at the Wesleyan School and Westleigh Secondary Modern, and worked at Tilly and Henderson "The Shirt Factory" for a while.

Frances said Pat's mum, Elizabeth, who was in her late forties called Dr Schwartsberg after suffering back pains.

To her amazement she was told she was in labour and gave birth to Pat prematurely.

There were no incubators at the time and because there were no clothes available the doctor told her to wrap the baby in cotton wool and put her in a shoebox by the fireplace - and don't be surprised if she was dead by the following day.

But battling Pat won through, though she was always in and out of hospital as a child.

Frances said: "Although she is disabled she is still paddling on and looks after herself. She is a regular at Alma Street and the Miners and gets about a bit.

"She has a brilliant memory and is such a character. She started life as a no hoper, but thankfully she is still here and enjoying herself. All her family wish her a very happy birthday."

Pictured: Pat as a bouncing baby.

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