It's 'final retirement' for much-loved Tain Highland Hospice shop manager
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
When Susan Gibson retired as compliance manager for Tesco, she told a friend she planned to do nothing for a year before making a definite decision about what to do with her new-found leisure time.
Two and a half weeks later, thoughts of retirement were banished and she took up a new job as manager at the Highland Hospice shop in King Street, Tain – a move she has never regretted.
Now after nearly nine years in the role and faced with increasing pain from arthritis, she has decided to take the advice of her family to put her health first. She said her final goodbyes on Friday.
SEE ALSO:
- 'Highland Hospice was there for Mum - it's our turn to give back'
- Get our news briefing delivered to your inbox free
Over the years she became a well-known and much-loved mainstay of the shop – known by hundreds of customers and nearly as many volunteers.
Her role encompassed a range of duties from her managerial responsibilities to sorting and pricing donations, spotting collectables, arranging the shop floor and liaising with managers in other Highland Hospice shops.
She oversaw the shop’s expansion when it absorbed the neighbouring dry cleaners and has seen an increase its donations and income in her years at the helm
She also nurtured a huge team of volunteers.
“There are lots of good things about working for Highland Hospice but the best bit is the volunteers. They are here because they want to work here - not because they have to. I didn’t realise the impact this would have. It’s a completely different dynamic from the usual manager and staff set up that you find in business,” said Susan.
“We are all part of one team and we all have fun. There here hasn’t been a day when I didn’t laugh. We are all friends and I’ve stayed in touch with volunteers even after they’ve left.
“I think working for the Highland Hospice is the best thing I have ever done but this is definitely my final retirement.”
Susan was presented with flowers and vouchers from her volunteers and a bouquet from Highland Hospice chief executive, Kenny Steele.
“Susan’s passion and dedication to her role, her volunteers and her customers has been inspiring,” he said.
