Family and friends rally round for Louise Garwood’s 70th birthday

A Willesden grandmother who dedicated her life to looking after more than 40 children was given a surprise party to celebrate a landmark birthday.

Louise Garwood had friends and family rally round her to commemorate her selfless life with a special party at the Unity Centre in Church Road, Harlesden.

Aside from raising seven children and seven grandchildren, Louise also opened her home up to youngsters as a foster mother, taking in nearly 30 children between 1983 and the late 1990s.

“I love to see the smile on children’s faces” she explained.

“Even if you don’t have anything yourself, if you can make a child happy, you feel a million dollars”.

Her eldest daughter Thelma, who helped organise the party, explained why they felt her mother should be honoured.

She said: “She has never been recognised for any of what she has done. She is so humble and has dedicated her life to looking after others – so to do something for her alone was really lovely.”

Mayor of Brent, Councillor, Aslam Choudrhy, attended to wish her a happy birthday and Louise expressed her joy at the surprise visitor.

She said: “It was a lovely surprise. The Mayor told me he was here to say happy birthday to me. I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s lovely know that you are appreciated and to have your family around you.”