The Oral Health Foundation crowns 97-year-old Mary Lock as the second winner of the Nominate A Smile competition
The Oral Health Foundation has crowned 97-year-old Mary Lock as the second winner of its Nominate a Smile competition. The initiative was set up as part of this year’s National Smile Month campaign.
Mary was nominated for the award by her dentist, Dr Ravinder Kalirai, from Grey Gables Dental Practice in Bilton. Dr Kalirai described Mary as an “incredible human being” with the “kindest soul” and said that she was blessed to have her as a patient. Mary has reached the age of 97 with the vast majority of her natural teeth in excellent condition, and she spreads smiles wherever she goes. Dr Kalirai nominated Mary not only because she has a healthy, beautiful smile, but also because she makes such a positive difference in the local community. Mary has volunteered at Rugby St Cross Hospital for several years and she spends her spare time knitting and sewing, creating gifts for refugees all over the world.
Nominate a Smile was launched to raise awareness of the importance of healthy smiles and to recognise those who genuinely make a difference and make others smile. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, agreed that Mary was a very worthy winner and said that she is a wonderful example of how looking after your teeth can result in healthy, lifelong smiles.
Mary has enjoyed an eventful life, and she is an inspiration to many. After her home was bombed in the blitz, Mary joined the Civil Defence Association and she later became the only female instructor at the Fire Guard. Mary married her late husband, Clive, in 1947 and she has two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary said that her award-winning smile was down to brushing her teeth at least twice a day, every day. She will now receive a congratulatory card and a top of the range electric toothbrush from Phillips Sonicare.
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