It was definitely ‘au revoir ‘not ‘goodbye’ when Kath Parkinson stepped down as General Manager of Accrington’s Springhill Care Home last week.

After 24 years’ loyal service, Kath finally left her desk at the Fairfield Street home - which has won numerous accolades and awards under her management – on June 18.

But staff, residents and relatives took heart in knowing she won’t be disappearing altogether.  A new desk awaits her at the company’s Cannon Street headquarters, where she will work two days a week as Director of Quality and Compliance.

Her new role means she will still be popping into Springhill Care Home from time to time during her semi retirement.

On behalf of staff, Chairman Ken Nolan presented Kath with gifts of jewellery and flowers at a special ceremony at the home. 

Thanking her for her loyal service, he said that Kath had put Springhill firmly on the map since she arrived initially as a part time book –keeper back in January 1986. 

She has watched with pride over the years as the home became only the second home in the country to achieve national RDB 5 star status for its care and facilities and also the first in East Lancashire to gain the Investor in People Award.

It is perhaps fitting that on her last day in sole charge, news came in that the home had been awarded Gold Standards Framework Beacon Status for its end of life care. Only 29 homes nationally are in this elite position.

Before leaving, Kath wrote an emotional letter to all staff. In it, she thanked them for their support when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001.

Determined not to be beaten, she even turned up for work during chemotherapy treatment whenever she felt well enough.

“Unless you’ve been in that position yourself, you’ll never appreciate how important it is to know that people are thinking about you; it gives you the comfort and strength to carry on, especially through the bad days. “

 “What a pleasure and a privilege it has been working with you all!” she wrote.

During her semi retirement Kath, who lives in Wilpshire, is looking forward to spending more time with her family including her daughter, son-in law and two grandsons living in France.

A former Captain of Baxenden Golf Club and a member of Hyndburn Ramblers, she is also planning to devote more time to her hobbies.

Paying tribute to her, Ken Nolan added: “It is with a mixture of emotions that I watch Kath step down. Whilst on one hand I have a heavy heart, on the other I feel immense pride and gratitude for her and her achievements here.”

“Kath has made Springhill a massive part of her life and vice versa. She is indeed a true and dear friend to all and we love her dearly.”

“I cannot emphasize enough though that this is a semi retirement because we couldn’t possibly let her go altogether!”

Nurse Anne-Marie Potter is the new General Manager at Springhill Care Home.