A SUPPORT worker who has dedicated the last 25 years to caring for the elderly at Woodside care home in Ross-on-Wye has retired.

Margaret Sayce, who has been working at Ledbury Nursing home following the temporary closure of Woodside due to COVID-19, was surprised by residents and colleagues with a retirement party.

Maggie began working at Woodside in April 1995 in a temporary maternity cover role as part of a contract with Hereford County Council. She enjoyed the job so much that she stayed at the home ever since, transferring to Shaw healthcare when it went into partnership with the council in 2004.

During her time at Woodside, Maggie was responsible for organising trips and events to put smiles on residents’ faces, from pantomimes to bingo. She was named as a regional finalist for Shaw healthcare’s annual ‘Star Awards’ on two occasions and was last year thanked for 15 years’ service with the healthcare provider.

Commenting on her party, Maggie said: “What an amazing surprise this was! My colleagues told me we were having a Halloween-themed celebration – I never would have expected such fanfare for my retirement.

“I am hugely grateful for the help and support I’ve had from my colleagues at Woodside and, more recently, Ledbury Nursing home, and will miss them all now I have left.”

Heather Aubrey, manager at Woodside, added: “Maggie is a great person with an excellent Scottish sense of humour, making her very popular with staff, residents and relatives alike. Throughout her career she has always strived to take into consideration the individual needs of each person she is caring for.

“The last few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone working in the care sector, but Maggie has got stuck in and really supported her colleagues through the pandemic. I’d like to thank her for everything she has done and hope she enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”