Christine, affectionately known as Tina, has been a cherished resident of Heathlands Care Home for the past seven years.
Tina, now 77, grew up in Walthamstow with her parents and older sister. Her father worked as an assistant manager at Woolworths, later joining Tina’s mother and aunt at Lewden, a local factory where chandeliers, door plates and myriad other fixtures were made. Tina’s mother and aunt worked together, wiring and assembling these intricate items.
Tina attended school in Walthamstow but left at 15 without qualifications, although she had always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Life had other plans, though, and Tina entered the workforce, taking office jobs in Liverpool Street and Walthamstow. She eventually joined her mother at Lewden, where she met her future husband, Kevin.
Kevin, an electroplater, would ask Tina out three times before she agreed! Their first date was spent at a pub in Walthamstow Village, followed by a second the very next day. The couple married when Tina was 19, beginning their life together in a rented house above her grandmother’s place. They later moved to a tower block in Leyton where they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa.
Life wasn’t always easy, especially in the early days, with shared facilities and no hot water. However, their later move to more comfortable and convenient accommodation was a welcome relief, especially as two more children, Jackie and Anthony, soon arrived. After 20 years in Leytonstone, Tina relocated to Chingford where she lived until moving to Heathlands.
After raising her children, Tina worked as a cleaner, building a loyal base of clients. It wasn’t always easy but she managed to balance work with her role as a devoted mother, ensuring that all her children attended the same school in Leytonstone.
Tina and Kevin eventually divorced, but her parents were a constant source of support and practical help with the children. Seven years later Tina found love again with Gary, and the couple had a son, Mark.
Tina’s family is spread across the UK, Cyprus and Spain. Her eldest daughter Lisa, and husband Alan, owned a number of successful jewellery shops before retiring to Cyprus. Tina visited them several times, and cherishes memories of sunny days spent relaxing by the couple’s pool.
Jackie, Tina’s second daughter, lives in Clacton with her children, including Elizabeth who is especially close to Tina, calling her daily. Anthony lives in Spain, where he works as a hotel manager.
Mark lives in Leyton with his wife and baby daughter Cece. He manages a chain of high-end baby shops in Notting Hill, while his wife manages a Skechers store in Battersea. Despite the distance, Tina stays connected with her family through video calls on her tablet.
Tina has always loved reading, devouring novels, books about history and autobiographies. Though partially sighted now, she enjoys TV shows and Netflix, particularly courtroom dramas. She also treasures visits from her friend Carol, who keeps in touch from their days living near each other in Leytonstone.
She says she feels comfortable at Heathlands and praises the home’s ‘excellent’ care. She describes the staff as ‘wonderful’, particularly assistant practitioner Gemma Lovelock, and feels safe and secure in her room.
Reflecting on her life, Tina says: “You just get on with things,” – a testament to her unwavering resilience and optimism.
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