Family's joy as Chesterfield gran defeats coronavirus in time to celebrate 100th birthday

Margaret Hallford, who has lived in the area her entire life, survived the virus thanks to the ‘out of this world’ staff at Eckington Court nursing home.

Although she will have to mark her milestone birthday today in the home’s car park, with just her daughters allowed to visit, a huge party is being planned once lockdown restrictions have been eased.

Margaret’s family says her motto and secret to a long and happy life is ‘if you don't use it, you'll lose it’.

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She was born Margaret Bradley in Calow to parents Bernard and Annie.

After leaving Hasland Hall School at the age of 14 to become a housemaid, at 16 Margaret went to work in the canteen at Derbyshire Times.

She met Reg Hallford on a trip to Blackpool and they married in February 1940, going on to have four daughters: Margaret in 1942, Doreen in 1945, Dianne in 1948 and Jane in 1961.

She now has nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Margaret’s grand-daughter Catherine Lane said: “She spent all of her married living in Staveley, and after Reg's unexpected death in 1978, has lived alone for the remainder of her life, always maintaining that he was her first and only love.”

Margaret lived independently at Mallard Court in Staveley for 30 years, until the age of 97, where her hobbies included cooking, knitting, sewing and painting.

She took up making stuffed toys after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

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As her illness developed, Margaret moved into Eckington Court, where she has happily lived for three years, enjoying regular visits from family.

“This has been interrupted recently, upon her being diagnosed with coronavirus,” Catherine said.

“Thankfully, the nursing staff have been out of this world and accommodated each of her requirements, throughout isolation and recovery.”

Catherine added: “She will be celebrating her 100th birthday in the car park, when her daughters visit her today.

“Although these are the only permitted visitors, the care home also have a party planned with her fellow residents, and a huge party is in the pipeline when lockdown has finally been relaxed.”

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