Still going strong at 90: Northern Ireland health worker’s 30-year career without a day off - 'I really feel great'
Lisburn charge porter was praised as an “absolute shining example” and “remarkable man” as colleagues gathered to celebrate his milestone birthday
A 90-year-old Northern Ireland healthcare worker who has never taken a day off work in more than three decades has celebrated his milestone birthday with colleagues and friends.
Jimmy Chapman, a charge porter with the South Eastern Trust, marked his 90th birthday at Lisburn’s Primary and Community Care Centre, where staff gathered to celebrate his remarkable career and enjoy some birthday cake.
A familiar face to generations of patients and staff, Jimmy has worked across the Primary and Community Care Centre and Lagan Valley Hospital for more than 30 years – and has no plans to slow down.
His dedication has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) and the Trust Chairman’s Award.
When asked about the secret to his long life, Jimmy had a simple answer: “Hard work!”
He added: “I really feel great and it is marvellous to celebrate my birthday with my friends and all the people here.”
South Eastern Trust chief executive Roisin Coulter joined the celebrations and helped plant a rhododendron in Jimmy’s honour to mark his years of service.
She described Jimmy as “an absolute shining example of what it means to work in the South Eastern Trust”.
“Jimmy has got the values, the culture, the respect and the ‘can do’ attitude – he would do anything for anybody,” she said.
“You mean the world to everybody in Lisburn, in this Primary Care Centre and it is so important for us to say thank you very much and have a lovely birthday!”
Trust Health centre manager and Jimmy’s friend and colleague Jacqueline McComb described him as a “remarkable man”.
“He has come through many personal challenges of his own, but yet he has never taken a day off work,” she explained.
“He does so much and always endears himself to the staff and patients who come into the building. Jimmy is always there to help. He just has that ability to connect with people and help them at their point of need, which is the ethos of the Trust.
“Jimmy is part of our Trust family here. He makes all of our days that bit brighter.”
And despite reaching 90, Jimmy says he is not ready to hang up his work clothes just yet.
“It was very nice to have the tree planted,” he added. “I have enjoyed every minute working for the Trust. The people I work with are brilliant and I hope to keep on going!”