A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from Weston has defied fate by dying 11 times in 18 months. Edith Manning, who lives in the Earlfield Lodge nursing home

A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from Weston has defied fate by dying 11 times in 18 months.Edith Manning, who lives in the Earlfield Lodge nursing home in Trewartha Park, has been resuscitated in hospital and even on the floor of a community centre.The 87-year-old, who has five children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, was so critically ill in January after she stopped breathing for the 11th time, doctors told her daughter Sue Hill to phone the rest of the family and ask them if they wanted to say their goodbyes.Sue, aged 58, of Gannet Road, Mead Vale, said: "They thought she wouldn't survive and that they said they were sorry but they thought that was it."Then 24 hours later we were all asked to keep the noise down in intensive care because mum was laughing so much. "The machines were going haywire. She is very shy but she is a strong person. Her family means everything to her and that is what has got her through it all."On one occasion Edith was visiting Worle Community Centre in Lawrence Road when she stopped breathing and manager Joan Thompson had to give her mouth to mouth while waiting for paramedics to arrive.Edith, who had a hip replacement earlier this year and also has a problem with the left ventricle in her heart, said: "Joan is wonderful. I don't know what I would have done without her."I have pulled through everything because I am determined. It was not time as I want to live until I am 100."I look on the bright side and I was determined to stay with my family. You can't keep an old dog down."* Pictured: Edith and Joan Thompson.