TWIN sisters who were separated after seeing each other every day for 90 years have been reunited at a Northwich care home.
Winifred 'Winnie' Chirnside and Margaret McHugh had found themselves in different care homes - in Frodsham and Salford - after they were diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
The Frodsham care home looking after Winnie decided she would be more comfortable in a specialist dementia care home, and a place was found for her at Acorn Meadow in Northwich, where she moved in April this year.
While there, Winnie told family members and staff at Acorn Meadow every day she missed seeing her sister Margaret.
Both their families approached Acorn Meadow and asked if there was anything that could be done to bring the sisters, both aged 90, back together.
Now, after a place at Acorn Meadow was found for Margaret, the pair and their families are delighted they have been reunited.
Winnie’s daughter Angela Riding, who lives in Weaverham, said: “We are so grateful for the lengths Acorn Meadow have gone to in bringing Winnie and Margaret back together. We can’t thank them enough.”
Margaret said: “Oh, it’s just the best!”
Winnie added: “We will not be separated again.”
On Tuesday, September 12, Margaret moved in a room next to Winnie, and both sisters are now living happily.
After leaving school, the sisters both took jobs in Nuttall’s fine leather glove factory in Salford.
Their dedication to the craft of fine leatherwork soon distinguished them, and they eventually became masters of the art.
When the factory closed, desperate not to give up the craft they had painstakingly mastered, they became pieceworkers and practised their trade from home.
They continued to work together every day until their retirement.
Their families were thrilled to see the sisters reunited, and staff at the care home were equally pleased.
Acorn Meadow home manager, Steve McCarthy, said: “It was such a long process, however, being a kind care company, we are delighted that they are finally reunited.”
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