The Russells team came together as best they could to give longtime favourite Ann Scott a last day to remember.
Covid-restrictions meant we were unable to have the retirement party she deserved, but Ann has been sent off in style with the love and best wishes of the whole staff.
She was presented with flowers, champagne, a ‘learner shopper’ and a cheque for a massive £2,687 donated by people across the business, from head office where she worked in Trafford Park, to building sites across the UK.
The total, and the fond wishes sent her way, are testament to the person and colleague she has been according to friend Liesel McQueen.
“Ann’s formal title was PA to the estimators, receptionist and document controller, but that doesn’t cover what she did for everyone or the value she had to the company.
“Ann is the life and soul of the office and a friend to everybody. She’d help anyone and there was nothing in this office that she couldn’t do.
“We’ll all miss her enormously but we’re so pleased she is able to retire and relax after a lifetime of working so hard.
“We decided to give her the collection to spend however she likes. She was so surprised and emotional with such a huge total, but we’re delighted that she’ll be able to use it for an amazing holiday as soon as she is able to go.”
One of Ann’s legacies will be her fundraising for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital which treated her grandson Jack for a number of years.
Her commitment saw the company raise thousands for the charity, with initiatives like the Big T Break and the Christmas Card appeal.
She also helped with the firm’s community engagement programme which saw school children visit sites to get a feel for the construction industry. One of those visits was at a site near to head office in Trafford Park where Ann surprised grandson Kayne during his visit with Davyhulme Primary School.
In her thank you to the team, Ann said: “This is just to say a heartfelt thank you for your overwhelming collection.
I never expected anything and I am so grateful.
I have (as you all know) enjoyed working at Russells but mainly because of the staff here.
“I truly have made some amazing friends.
“I send my love to each of you and wish you and your families a lovely Christmas and a very happy New Year for 2021.”