Gran uses 100th birthday to help others in need

Mary Trint reached the milestone age yesterday and, instead of asking for presents, she wanted donations to be made to two South Tyneside organisations.

Both St Clare’s Hospice in Jarrow and St Peter’s Church in Harton Village will now benefit from Mary’s big day.

Her son Frank said: “By the time you get to 100 there are not really too many presents you need.

“She’s been receiving lots of flowers, but we asked if people could donate to the two charities if they felt they needed to give something.

“Mam has always supported St Clare’s and, in her younger days, she was a regular at St Peter’s Church.”

Mary was born in the Cauldwell area of South Shields – just off Mortimer Road.

After leaving St Bede’s Catholic School she started working in Harton Dye Works.

Through a friend she struck up a pen pal relationship with her future husband, Frank, who was in the navy.

They then went on to raise children Pat, 70, Frank, 68 and Eileen, 59, at their first home together in Mitchell Gardens.

For the last 49 years Mary has lived in Simonside, South Shields, where she is now looked after by her son.

He said: “Mam still lives in her own home, which is very good for someone her age. Many others tend to be in a care home.

“She still likes to have little trips out. On Wednesday we went to the seafront, but now she needs a bit of help so we use a wheelchair.

“She’s always been very active, she was cycling all over well into her fifties and she’s always loved fresh air.”

Mary, who has three grandchildren and six great-grand children – plus one on the way – had a party at the Little Haven Hotel in South Shields last night.

She spent the day receiving visitors and, of course, received her telegram from the Queen.

Frank said: “Mum thinks we are just going for a meal, but we have invited about 80 people, so she will be quite surprised.”