Blog

A 92 year old volunteer has retired after 14 years’ service at a Teesside care home.

Marie Toombs started volunteering at The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, after her aunt, a former resident, passed away.

Impressed with the end of life care her aunt received, Marie wanted to give something back to the home.

Not a resident herself, she frequently travelled to the home to organise and help run activities, as well as enjoy a chat and a cuppa.

The staff and residents presented her with cards, a cake and jewellry as a thank you for her volunteering.

She said: “Helping out at The Gables has meant the world to me. I’ve made so many friends but I think it’s time to put my feet up now.”

Maries was born in Scarborough and moved to Canada after the end of the Second World War.

She then moved to the USA with her husband, where they spent many years caring for delinquent boys, before moving back to Middlesbrough 23 years ago.

Kate Charlton, home manager at The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, said: “Marie has always been a caring person, from her work in America to volunteering at The Gables through her 80s and into her 90s.

“The residents and staff all love her company and she will be missed by everyone. We can’t thank her enough for the voluntary work she has done.”