Celebrating 30 years' service to residents

Sharon Simpson, 46, of Wellingore, joined Welbourn Manor, in Welbourn, as a kitchen assistant; today, she is in charge of 26 staff at the Grade II listed building.

Sharon’s link with the home stretches back to her early school days when her grandparents, Lily and Ashley East, worked at the home.

Lily was the cook and Ashley was the maintenance man and gardener for about 16 years during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Sharon would often meet them at the home and enjoyed her visits so much that she decided to apply for a job there when she left school, aged 16.

Speaking about her job, Sharon said: “It’s nice to go home after work knowing that we’ve made people happy and comfortable.

“We’re like one big, extended family and we think of Welbourn Manor as a real home from home.”

The home is run by Midlands-based St Philip’s Care.

Group owner Gary Hartland said: “Sharon is a highly-valued member of our care team and a credit to the company.”

Sharon, a mum to Luke, 20, and Kieran, 18, and wife to David, was presented with flowers and other gifts to mark her special milestone.