Family's joy as 99-year-old Grindon great-grandmother set to be one of the first to get vaccine in Sunderland

The family of 99-year-old Sunderland Great-Grandmother have spoken of her joy as Covid-19 vaccinations are set to begin in Sunderland.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

After not been able to see her elderly mother for most of the year,Brenda Cunningham, from Fatfield, has said she is ‘overwhelmed’ by the news that her mum Nancy Rooks will be one of the first in Sunderland to get the vaccine.

Nancy, who is from Grindon, will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 4 2021, has been unable to see her two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren since the pandemic broke out in March.

Read More
Is Sunderland going into Tier 2 or staying in Tier 3? What we know about this we...
99-year-old Nancy Rooks will be one of the oldest people in Sunderland to receive the Covid-19 jab.99-year-old Nancy Rooks will be one of the oldest people in Sunderland to receive the Covid-19 jab.
99-year-old Nancy Rooks will be one of the oldest people in Sunderland to receive the Covid-19 jab.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brenda, 66, said: “During the first lockdown, she was confined to her apartment so that was extremely difficult for her.

"She really struggled as she used to go to Age UK lunches three times a week so it’s the social side of life that she is really missing.

"She loves being out and about doing things.”

It was confirmed on December 2 that the vaccine developed by Pfizer & BioNTech had been approved for mass roll out in the UK, with Nancy set to receive hers on Wednesday, December 16 – just weeks before her 100th birthday.

Nancy will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 4.Nancy will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 4.
Nancy will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 4.

The 99-year-old from now lives in a care-scheme apartment after living in the same council house in Grindon for 70 years which led to her being named as Gentoo’s longest serving tenant.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brenda added: “It was such a relief when we found out there would be a vaccine, mum keeps ringing as she wants to go out.

"Unfortunately we can’t plan to celebrate her birthday until we know what’s happening with the restrictions so we’ll have to see if we can do something for her at her home.

"She enjoys going out for a Sunday lunch, so hopefully we can look forward to that when it is safe to do so.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland City Council confirmed in November that plans are in place to administer around 18,000 vaccines a week – with the whole of the over-50 population across Wearside to be vaccinated by the end of February.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.