AN Auschwitz survivor is still making memories at the incredible age of 102 after she received a special award from the President and First Lady of Poland.

Wanda Bielecka, who has been looked after in Alderwood Care Home in Colchester for the past ten years, received a signed photograph from the President and First Lady of Poland Andrzej Duda and Agata Kornhauser-Duda in recognition of her remarkable life.

Natalia Janusz, who is part of Colchester’s Polish community, had applied to President Duda for the honour.

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The award was presented by a high ranking Polish official, vice consul Radoslaw Gromski, who works at the London Embassy of the Polish Republic, with former Colchester mayor Robert Davidson, also present.

The award came only weeks after Mrs Bielecka – who is affectionately known as Babcia, which is Polish for grandma – turned 102 last month.

As incredible as her life has been, Mrs Bielecka’s early years were both fraught and traumatic.

She was separated from her husband in 1940 – and whilst he was taken to Siberia, she was taken to Auschwitz a year later.

Following her survival of the death camp, she was reunited with her husband after he had been freed by the Russians.

After the war, the two moved to Britain where they had five children, 17 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

After presenting Mrs Bielecka with the photograph of the Polish president and first lady, Mr Gromski said it was rare for people receive the award.

He said: “It is rare for anyone to receive this honour.

Gazette: Rare – the award, a signed photograph from the President and First Lady of Poland, is awarded to very few peopleRare – the award, a signed photograph from the President and First Lady of Poland, is awarded to very few people

“It is in recognition for all she has lived through as a victim of war.”

Care home manager Nikki Leaney said it was an honour to have Mrs Bielecka as a resident in Alderwood Care Home.

She said “It is such a well-deserved honour for such a remarkable lady.

"It really is an honour for us to have her here with us, and an honour for us also to have been able to host her family, friends, the Mayor and Mayoress and the Polish Vice Consul in a private room here at Alderwood.”