Keeping it in the Family

A father and son working at an Orchard Care Home in Preston have been honoured for their dedication to duty after receiving Long Service Awards.

Cook Mark Ellis and his son Mathew, Care Assistant, have worked side by side at Penwortham Grange & Lodge in Penwortham for 15 years and were presented with their awards by Home Manager Mel Thompson.

At the awards ceremony Mel said “Mark and Mathew are valued members of the team, each in their own way demonstrates their passion, commitment, and love for what they do. The residents often tell me how kind and patient Mathew is and how they look forward to him being on duty. Equally, many of the residents seek me out to compliment Marks culinary skills and home baking, often telling me how delicious the chocolate sponge is and how they look forward to his traditional Sunday roast dinner as the meat is always tender and melts in your mouth with homemade Yorkshires, delicious.  

“It is great to see Orchard care homes recognising long service in this way, as there is nothing more satisfying for a manager than seeing staff rewarded for their dedication.”

The duo received a certificate and a £100 voucher as a thank you for their continued service.

Mark commented, “I have been employed by Orchard Care Homes for 15 years and find my role as chef most fulfilling, I enjoy cooking hearty homemade meals and the satisfaction I get when residents tell me how great my food is fills me with joy, after all, everything we do, is for the older people we care for.”

Mathew added, “I have worked in care for many years and there is nothing more rewarding than supporting the residents with their day-to-day life, seeing them smile and laugh makes my day and gives me that job satisfaction, I wouldn’t want to do anything else”.