Watch: Neighbours and relatives wish Ballyclare Great Grandmother a happy birthday

Family members and friends gathered in the Heather Park area of Ballyclare this afternoon to wish Priscilla ‘Cilla’ Clugston a happy 92nd birthday.
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The nonagenarian, who has been self-isolating for a number of weeks, received a warm reception as she was greeted by neighbours and her extended family on the street she has called home for decades.

Mrs Clugston was born in Cogry on April 22 1928, the eldest of 12 children.

She started work in Cogry Mill at the age of 14 and was married at 19.

Mrs Clugston.Mrs Clugston.
Mrs Clugston.

She went on to have 11 children, eight girls and three boys. Mrs Clugston was widowed in 1980 aged 52 and had three of her daughters still at school.

She took early retirement from Stability in Antrim at 60.

Her family was raised in a four-bed house in Heather Park, before moving to the Ballyeaston Road in the town. They then moved back to Heather Park again and she has lived there for over 40 years in total.

Speaking to the Times, her granddaughter, Terri Canders said: “She worked hard her whole life, making sure her children never went without. She is a true inspiration for us all.

Terri with her sons Kristopher and Matthew.Terri with her sons Kristopher and Matthew.
Terri with her sons Kristopher and Matthew.

“She has suffered ill health off and on the past five years, but always pulls through. She has been isolating now for over a month with only a few daughters visiting to care for her.

“We wanted to do so something for her birthday to show how much she’s loved and thought of by all her children and grandchildren.”

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