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A lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan who was watching the Whites on the day of the Burnden Park Disaster in 1946 has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Emily Worthington, who is now living at Lever Edge Care Home, attended the FA Cup match 0-0 draw between Bolton and Stoke City on March 9, 1946.
The crush in which Mrs Worthington was caught up, caused the deaths of 33 people and hundreds of people were hurt at the Railway End.
Mrs Worthington who was born in Astley Bridge, has had a lifelong connection with the parish of St Matthew’s and its school.
After leaving school she worked at Kirklees Mill and as part of the family tradition became a keen Wanderers fan.
Her daughter Lynn said: “Her mum Martha and dad went to football so that was why she started watching Bolton but after the disaster she was too frightened and only starting going again as myself and my brother Ian were growing up.
“I remember on one occasion in 1985, when Charlie Wright was keeping goal for Bolton in one match, and she shouted to him from the terrace asking him if would he like a toffee. He came round the goal and took one from her.”
Mrs Worthington met her late husband and former Desert Rat, Stanley in 1948, a meeting which changed her life, after which she cancelled plans to emigrate to Australia.
After marrying at St Matthew’s, the couple enjoyed regular dances at Bolton Palais.
Mrs Worthington, who also has a younger sister Edith, aged 92, has six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A family get-together will be organised to celebrate her birthday.
Lynn added: "She used to say the reason for her longevity was hard work.
“She has always been a hard worker, she never smoked, although she did one admit that she could drink a man under the table — but only at weekends!”
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Emily Worthington, who is now living at Lever Edge Care Home, attended the FA Cup match 0-0 draw between Bolton and Stoke City on March 9, 1946.
The crush in which Mrs Worthington was caught up, caused the deaths of 33 people and hundreds of people were hurt at the Railway End.
Mrs Worthington who was born in Astley Bridge, has had a lifelong connection with the parish of St Matthew’s and its school.
After leaving school she worked at Kirklees Mill and as part of the family tradition became a keen Wanderers fan.
Her daughter Lynn said: “Her mum Martha and dad went to football so that was why she started watching Bolton but after the disaster she was too frightened and only starting going again as myself and my brother Ian were growing up.
“I remember on one occasion in 1985, when Charlie Wright was keeping goal for Bolton in one match, and she shouted to him from the terrace asking him if would he like a toffee. He came round the goal and took one from her.”
Mrs Worthington met her late husband and former Desert Rat, Stanley in 1948, a meeting which changed her life, after which she cancelled plans to emigrate to Australia.
After marrying at St Matthew’s, the couple enjoyed regular dances at Bolton Palais.
Mrs Worthington, who also has a younger sister Edith, aged 92, has six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
A family get-together will be organised to celebrate her birthday.
Lynn added: "She used to say the reason for her longevity was hard work.
“She has always been a hard worker, she never smoked, although she did one admit that she could drink a man under the table — but only at weekends!”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
