93-year-old former nurse Ethel Glasgow wins Northern Trust 2025 Christmas card competition

Pictured are Anne O’Reilly, Chairperson Northern Trust, Jackie Burns, Ethel Glasgow, Iris Burns and Suzanne Pullins Chief Executive Northern Trust

Cookstown woman and former nurse Ethel Glasgow, aged 93, has been announced as the winner of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s 2025 Christmas card competition, after her hand-drawn festive design captured the hearts of judges.

Mrs Glasgow, who attends Cookstown Day Centre, created a charming winter scene featuring a robin red breast — a design described as both intricate and full of warmth.

The artwork was selected from a large number of entries submitted by service users across the Northern Trust area.

A former nurse who served in both Belfast City Hospital and Mid-Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, Mrs Glasgow said she was delighted to take part in the competition and thrilled to have her piece chosen as next year’s official Trust Christmas card.

To mark the occasion, Mrs Glasgow, accompanied by her daughter and granddaughter, visited Causeway Hospital, where she was welcomed by Northern Trust Interim Chief Executive Suzanne Pullins and Chair of the Northern Trust Board Anne O’Reilly.

Ethel Glasgow (centre) with granddaughter, Jackie Burns and daughter, Iris Burns.

Speaking after the presentation, Suzanne Pullins said:

“We are really appreciative that so many of our service users took the time to enter and put so much effort into their creations. We were blown away by the quantity and quality of entries but Ethel’s really stood out for us. Her card was beautiful – and she is clearly a gifted artist.

“We are very proud that Ethel’s drawing will now be made into the Trust’s Christmas card for 2025 and I hope that it brings joy to others.

“Our Day Centres are a real lifeline for those who use them. Through structured and fulfilling daily activities, individuals are supported to maintain their independence and stay connected. They are an important part of our Northern Trust community.”

Trust Chair Anne O’Reilly echoed the praise, adding:

“We were truly inspired by the creativity of this year’s entries. We know that our service users went to a lot of effort and we had a difficult job selecting just one winner.

“We were charmed by Ethel’s card; she had shown great attention to detail with the intricate and delicate robin and I’m delighted that many others will now get to see the card too.

“Having spoken to Ethel, it’s clear that she really enjoys attending Cookstown Day Centre and that it’s an important part of her routine.”

The competition celebrates creativity among service users while also highlighting the vital role that Day Centres play in promoting social engagement, wellbeing and independence.

Mrs Glasgow’s winning illustration will now be reproduced as the Northern Trust’s official Christmas card for 2025, spreading festive cheer across the region.