Lily looks back

When Lily was given the prestigious title at a special ceremony on October 1, 1998, she described it as the most wonderful day of her life.

"I never dreamed that I would win," she said. "I was just delighted to be nominated. It was a very special moment."

Lily of Bond Street, Bury, was nominated for her work with local charities, particularly mental health organisations and her efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues in Bury.

Being the borough's first ever Woman of the Year, Lily was not quite sure what to expect.

"It meant so much to be chosen but as I was the first one I was not sure what was involved," confessed Lily.

One thing Lily was not prepared for was the celebrity status.

"I was getting recognised by people who had seen me in the Bury Times. And everywhere I went people were calling me and saying congratulations."

She continued: "It has been great for me to have the title not only for the honour but also because it is a great asset for my work with mental health."

Mental health has always been a controversial area and one that Lily believes has a great stigma attached to it. "It is important to make people realise that it is not some kind of freak disease. Being Woman of the Year has helped me in that aim."

Lily became involved with mental health charities through her son, Christopher, who has schizophrenia.

She works with Making Space, a group for people suffering from mental illnesses as well as BADDAC, a charity for people with learning disabilities.

Her vast experience with mental illness has also equipped her to train social services staff not only in Bury but also further a field.

Lily was even invited as far away as Oxford University to take a training session for the Royal College of Psychiatry earlier this year. And she has set up her a carers liaison committee.

Being Woman of the Year has made people stand up and take notice, opening up many opportunities for Lily and her cause.

The various engagements and talks she has attended has allowed Lily to meet a cross-section of people from youngsters to pensioners which she said has been invaluable.

The last year, for her, has been troubled with personal problems, but Lily says being Woman of the Year has helped her through the difficult times.

There have also been many highlights for her over the last eight months from the Bury Hospice Red Rose Ball to talking to 500 Holy Cross students about mental health issues.

"It has been a real joy. I have met so many wonderful people. It has helped me grow in confidence and given me a great deal of strength."

When Lily hands over the reins to her successor in October, she says she will continue working for mental health in Bury.

"It has been a real pleasure to be Woman of the Year. There is still a great deal of work to do between now and October but when I finally do end my year I will look back on it with great affection and pride."

She continued: "I have no real advice for my successor expect to tell them that if I can do it anyone can!"

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