MORE than 1,200 Star readers wished a woman who overcame coronavirus and two broken hips a Happy 106th Birthday as she celebrated in lockdown.

Yesterday, Tuesday, January 12 marked the 106th birthday of Mary Nicholson who goes by the name Polly.

The Elizabeth Court Care Home resident said the secret to a long life is drinking full fat milk, cream and butter as well as enjoying a "tipple of whisky at night" but she was very lucky to be here for her special day after breaking her hip twice this year, undergoing major operations and being diagnosed with coronavirus on New Year's Day.

However now in recovery, Polly said it was a "lovely sensation" to be out of isolation and to find so many cards and presents waiting for her on her special day.

St Helens Star:

Staff at the Elizabeth Court Care Home in Sutton sang her a birthday song and presented her with a special birthday cake.

Sadly, due to Covid restrictions, she was unable to see her family but said that she was looking forward to celebrating with them once "all this Covid is done".

Polly, said: "It's a big birthday - 106.

"I've been fantastic, and I'm happy and enjoying myself. Earlier on I had a cough but I'm feeling better.

"I couldn't tell you how lovely my birthday has been. Lovely sensation to find cards and presents that were given to me.

"It's nice to be able to celebrate after being in isolation because of the virus.

"But I'm feeling good after Covid and nothing can hold me back. I'll get back to normal as quickly as I can."

St Helens Star:

After reading about how Polly was celebrating without her family, more than 1,200 kind hearted Star readers left birthday messages for her on our Facebook page.

Below are just a handful of those messages.

Sue Peters said: "Warm wishes on your special day Polly I hope you have a wonderful day and an extra birthday tipple here’s to your good health"

Sandra Jones added: "I work at the care home polly is in and she really is a remarkable lady. Happy birthday lovely lady."

St Helens Star:

Vicky Barron said: "Happy 106th birthday Polly, have an amazing day. I remember you coming in to M&S and showing us your letter from the Queen when you turned 100."

Carole Foulds added: "A very happy birthday to an amazing auntie. Love and best wishes for your special day."

As we reported earlier this week, Polly was born on January 12, 1915 just before the First World War broke out and her mum died of diabetes five years later.

She had lived in Carr Mill and Crank - and was a former canteen lady at Pilkington head office.

Polly's niece Jean Humphreys, 68, said she's always been inspired by Polly, who was "fiercely independent, but also funny and loving".

She lived alone in her home until she was 102 and would often joke that she had to help the neighbour do her shopping as she was "old and approaching 100".