FAB day for a fab lady

ESPECIALLY for you . . . Margaret Maas and Dawn Roberts

THE Oldham Evening Chronicle has joined Saddleworth Round Table to grant fabulous Christmas wishes and bring festive cheer at what can be a difficult season.

A HEARTBROKEN mum devastated by the loss of her husband, mum and dad has been transformed into the belle of the ball.

Dawn Roberts (45) from Failsworth is one of the Chronicle and Saddleworth Round Table’s Christmas Wish recipients, nominated by her cousin Margaret Maas for being an “inspiration to all”.

Five years ago, Dawn’s 55-year-old husband Alan was diagnosed with cancer and died only months later leaving Dawn to bring up their three children — twins Hannah and David, then 10, and three-year-old Kirsty.

Then her beloved father, Geoffrey Webster, lost his fight with cancer last year. Dawn was still coming to terms with the sudden death of her mum Norma 10 years ago, after she contracted what was thought to be only a stomach bug. But Dawn has battled on, says Margaret, working in the kitchen at Blue Coat school.

“I am proud of the way she has struggled to bring them up alone and endeavoured to make sure they get everything they need, even if it meant going without things,” said Margaret, from Chadderton.

The Face and Body Shop in Grotton - known as FAB - treated Dawn and Margaret to a makeover and pampering session, and while Saddleworth Round Table has given Dawn £50 to spend on Christmas treats for her children.

“I’m so shocked Margaret has done this for me,” said Dawn. “We’re very close and she’s really been there for me through what has happened. I’m over the moon.

“The last few years have been horrendous and really hard to cope with. It’s something impossible to imagine going through it but the thought of getting my children up for school in the morning and looking after them has kept me going.”

Face and Body Shop manager Lisa McGuinness said: “We are delighted to give our services to such a worthy cause - especially for someone who has been an inspiration.”

Matthew Sykes, chairman of Saddleworth Round Table, said: “Dawn is a truly hard-working, selfless mother. We were delighted to give her a chance to relax with some personal pampering.”