Retired teaching assistant Mary Halpin, from Milngavie, has just celebrated her 88th birthday. She fills her days travelling, meeting up with her friends and spending quality time with her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Here she shares her most precious family snaps and reveals the secret to staying young at heart.
Holiday time
This is me and my daughter Sharon in Puerto Pollensa in Spain. We have been coming here most years for more than two decades. Sharon says “it’s mum’s holiday” so I get to choose what we get up to. We eat in the same restaurants, go on lovely walks and stay in the same hotel. I have five children. There’s 18 years between the youngest and eldest. I always worked while bringing up the kids but a heart attack at 47 made me realise all that mattered was family so I gave up my job to concentrate on them – and myself.
Doon the watter
We took the kids to the Isle of Bute back in the day and we still like a trip to Rothesay. This is me on the ferry with (left to right) Sharon, my sister-in-law Marion and her daughter Anne. Marion and I grew up together but, sadly, she passed away five years ago. We scattered her ashes on the island as it was a special place for us both.
Birthday girl
I celebrated my 88th birthday last month. I had a fun-filled day with all the family, though I thought I was 86 till I saw this balloon! This is me with my grandaughter Lindsay, 34. I used to look after her after school so we are very, very close. She has moved to Edinburgh but I still visit, especially around the Fringe. I love musicals. I’m seeing 9-5 next because I’m a big Dolly Parton fan.
Super gran
This is me with nine of my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I feel lucky to have so many young people around me. I love hearing their wee stories and keeping up to date with the latest goings on. They really do keep me young at heart. My husband Tommy died 20 years ago but you’re never lonely with such a big family! I also have a great circle of friends I met through the British Legion. We meet every week for coffee and a natter.
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