THERE were some extraordinary mothers being recognised this Sunday but few are as remarkable as Mavis Price.
This courageous 88-year-old grandmother has never allowed ill-health and disability to prevent her from leading a full and active life. So much so, she could easily put much younger women to shame. Gayle McBain reports
IN spite of the amputation of both legs -- following 50 years of suffering from deep vein thrombosis -- and discovering she had Parkinson's Disease at the age of 62, Mavis, who lives in Bromley Cross, has always been determined to enjoy every day.
She is an inspiration to her two daughters, Kathleen Booth, who lives in Lostock and 64-year-old Meryl Birnie, from Hyde, and to their children -- Mavis' grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Kathleen, aged 56, said: "She has always been an inspiration to me.
"Even when it was such a blow, losing the second leg, she was just so wonderful.
"I'm very proud of her. I feel my mother is an inspiration to anyone who has to go through what she has. She has never been negative. She has always got the best out of life."
Living life to the full has meant a busy and active time for Mavis.
Although she left school at 14, and was unable to continue her education, Mavis has ensured she has continued to learn -- albeit much later in life than most.
At the age of 66 Mavis took and passed, her driving test, determined she would be able to give husband Harry a rest from driving when they travelled.
Then Mavis decided to fulfill a life-long dream and study cake design and decorating at college and gained her City and Guilds in the subject, at the age of 70.
Some of her studying had to be done in hospital, where Mavis was being treated for her disabling leg condition, but she was determined to work through the pain barrier and continue.
As a 14-year-old school leaver she had hoped to work in a local bakery but her father put paid to that ambition.
"It was lovely to be able to do something about it all those years later," she said.
Mavis has always shown great fortitude and determination.
As a young girl she was forced to care for her two brothers when her mother died at an early age.
She didn't complain. She simply rolled up her sleeves and got to grips with her new life.
She was disappointed not to have got the chance to learn a trade as a youngster but never felt she had left it too late to try.
"I know some people think they are too old to learn something new, but it is never too late," said Mavis.
She has never let the often debilitating Parkinson's Disease -- which causes her to shake -- prevent her from acquiring a new skill, no matter how difficult it might be.
"Drawing straight lines on cakes could have been a problem but she used one hand to steady the other and was able to do it," said a very proud Kathleen.
Mavis travelled all over the country learning new skills.
She made an intricate Faberge-style decorated egg, again not allowing the disease to hinder her, while at college in Northamptonshire, when she was aged 75. Plate decorating was another skill, as was silk flower making, again both learned at college and tackled with great gusto by a very determined Mavis.
Although she is wheelchair-bound Mavis still bakes cakes, goes to the local library and enjoys annual holidays abroad with her daughters.
"Just to show you how inspirational she is, every night, when we are ready to flop in to bed, she's there doing exercises and putting face cream on.
"I am very, very proud of my mother," said Meryl.
Husband Harry died in 1992 and he was, said Mavis, very proud of what she had achieved.
Mavis does not believe she is a special person -- she attributes her success in life to a determination that has never waivered. "If there is something you want to do then you must do it.
"You can achieve anything if you are determined," said Mavis.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article