AN 80-year-old married couple from Bromley Cross made history yesterday by being the first people in Bolton to received the covid-19 vaccine.

Michael and Ann Clubley, who both turned 80 earlier this year, were the first in line to be vaccinated on Tuesday at Tonge Moor Health Centre.

The couple received their vaccination shortly before 8am, administered by Dr Helen Wall, clinical director of commissioning at Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

After having the vaccine, Mrs Clubley said: "We're very pleased and grateful to have had it, it was quite surprising actually to find out we were getting it.

"We're looking forward to hugging our loved ones again.

"Fortunately we've not had to self-isolate but the main problem we've had this year is not seeing our family.

"We've had no close contact with them, just having a conversation from a car window to the front door.

"Hopefully we can get back to meeting our friends and going out for meals."

Mr Clubley added: "To anyone who is unsure about the vaccine, just do it.

"It means you're no longer vulnerable and it's better to be vaccinated than catch the virus.

"It's amazing really that we've been able to receive it, there's been so much work gone into it in such as small space of time."

The couple, who've been married for 51 years, have two daughters and one grandson.

Michael is a former development chemist and Ann used to be a school librarian. They met while working together at a research library.

Since retiring they've enjoyed spending time together but this year they've been missing out on their usual activities.

Michael loves gardening and is a regular at all BWFC home matches under normal circumstances.

Ann usually volunteers at her local RSPCA shop and reads to children at her local primary school. She also attends a Thai Chi class.

Now they are looking forward to being with their family over Christmas.

Mrs Clubley said: "We do have a very small family so we're planning on seeing our two daughters over Christmas.

"We're looking forward to having freedom again and having the confidence to go out.

"We've been married 51 years but have never experienced a year like this before.

"Luckily we live near lots of reservoirs so we've been able to go on lots of walks together."

Dr Helen Wall, said: Its fantastic to see Mr and Mrs Clubley receiving their vaccination, and they mark the first couple of many to be getting the best protection from the virus today.

We have all pulled together to make this historic event happen in just a few short days, and Im very proud to be leading such a dedicated team. We received 975 doses for this first phase, and we are fully booked.

Six GP practices are part of this first phase, and form Turton Primary Care Network. Primary Care Networks are made up of several practices working together to manage the health of their local population.

The first phase of Covid vaccinations in Bolton is being held at Tonge Moor Health centre, Thicketford Road by appointment only.

In a huge logistical operation, over 900 vaccinations will be administered over three days.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: This is truly wonderful news both for those receiving the vaccine today and for everyone in our borough.

We have been hit hard by this pandemic but I commend the hard work and sacrifices everyone has made to see us through to this vital stage in our response to the virus.

Quite rightly, our older and more vulnerable residents will receive the vaccine first.

In the meantime, I urge everyone to be patient and stick to the rules so we can put this behind us.

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Couple who received first coronavirus vaccine in Bolton say they're 'looking forward to hugging loved ones' - The Bolton News