Bouquet of the Week: 'My loveable friend lights up the room'

Phyliss Howarth was put forward for the flowers by her close friend Delia Smith, who wanted to pay tribute to Phyliss’s kind nature.

Delia said of her friend of three years: “I would like to nominate my friend Phyliss Howarth for a Bouquet of the Week as she is an inspiration to us all.

“She looks after two of her grandchildren each week, does dog walking for her son’s dog, plus makes clothes, bedding covers and knits toys for her grandchildren and great grandchild.”

Phyliss, of Pine Street, has also knitted clothes for premature babies at Furness General Hospital and does voluntary work each week for the St Mary’s Hospice in Dalton Road, Barrow as well as at Station View retirement homes.

She is also a grandma-of-13 and a great-grandma-of-three.

The friends met at a Slimming World class and regularly meet up for coffee.

Delia said: “You never feel down when Phyliss is around as she lights up a room with her lovely smile.

“So much of what she does involves helping people. She will do anything for anybody.

“She will make you presents without needing an occasion.

“Nothing is too much trouble for her even though she is not in good health herself as she suffers from pains in her legs and back.

“She always finds time for her friends, taking them by car shopping or just for a coffee.

“Her two granddaughters love a sleepover at their nanny’s as she is either baking with them, making things, watching Peppa Pig on TV or reading them a story.

"Phyliss always put her family, friends and volunteering first.

“No matter what you where you need to go you can rely on her for a lift.

“I would like her to have something for herself instead of thinking about others all the time. She is and always will be a true friend and deserves a treat herself.

“She is a caring, considerate and loveable person.”

If you would like to nominate someone for Bouquet of the Week email dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk with the details and your contact number.