Double Celebration For Syston Centenarian

A Syston woman celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday 15th May will enjoy birthday greetings from two heads of state.
As well as looking forward to her message of congratulations from the Queen, Alise Tobin is also being presented with a card and message from the President of Latvia, the country of her birth.
Alise came to Britain after the 1939-45 war and after living in Bradford for many years, she now lives with her daughter, Irene and son-in-law Simon Brian in Jubilee Close, Syston.
“Mum’s very proud to have been British since she moved here,” explained Irene, “living with other Latvian exiles in Bradford for many years, where she worked in the mills.
But she’s never lost her love for her home country, where she sadly left many family members and friends when she fled at the end of the war. I contacted the Office of the President in Latvia and let them know she was coming up to 100 years old. Within days I received a message and card back from the President. I’m delighted because I know how special both messages from heads of state will be for her. Mum’s been determined to reach this milestone for many years, often joking she wished she’d had a bet when she was 80 that she’d make 100.”
Alise will enjoy her special day at home with family and friends.
Irene and Simon are both directors of Syston-based PR and marketing company, The Encore Organisation.