FORMER hospital Matron Thora Lomax has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Thora was born on Bank Street, in Widnes, in October 1913 and was the second youngest of four children.

After studying general nursing at Withington Hospital, Thora worked her way up to role of sister and latterly theatre superintendent.

Thora worked on the busy ambulances in Manchester during the Second World War, helping many people wounded in the Blitz.

She spent some time after the war working as a sister at Park Hospital, now known as Trafford General, and was part of the team responsible for getting the hospital back into civilian use after it was vacated by American forces at the end of the war.

Working in several hospitals over the years, including Leeds Maternity and Blackpool Victoria, Thora continued as matron until she retired in the early 1970s and settled in The Avenue, in Sale, where she still lives today.

Her capacity for helping others continued long into retirement by acting as a volunteer driver and visiting patients at home.

Although still living independently in her own home, she is now supported by care visitors.

Thora never married and has no children, however, she has several nieces and nephews and enjoys spending time with her family.

Thora also went on to act as secretary to St Matthew’s Parochial Church Council for a number of years, a church she still visits today.

Thora’s niece, Bobbie Turner said: “Thora is thrilled with the 100th birthday message she received from the Queen. We’re going to frame it and have it on display.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Trafford, Cllr Dylan and Mrs Farah Butt were among the many guests at her party on Saturday last week which was held at St Matthew’s church hall, in Stretford.

The Mayor said: “Thora embodies the true spirit of nursing care with a life spent in helping others.”

As a special treat, St Matthew’s Church bellringers rang a ‘quarter peel’ in her honour.