Limo treat for retiring school helper
11:38am Wednesday 25th July 2007 in News By Staff Reporter
FAREWELL: A luxury car awaits Red Lane Primary School assistant Lesley McGrath, dressed in a white jacket. She travelled to work by bus for 20 years Buy this photo »
AFTER more than 20 years of catching buses to and from work, school assistant Lesley McGrath ended her final day at work by travelling home in a luxury limousine.
Parents and friends at Red Lane Primary in Breightmet, held a whip-round to hire a limousine to take her home to Whitefield - as a sign of their gratitude to her.
And a surprise farewell party was organised with pupils and staff.
Mrs McGrath, aged 60, has worked as nursery nurse and then a classroom assistant at the school for the past 24 years, She said: "I was so stunned to see the limousine - it was such a lovely surprise.
"And I couldn't believe it when I saw all the parents, pupils and former staff lined up.
"I just want to thank everyone for making the day so special and amazing. I wish I'd know how well liked and respected I was - I really had no idea."
Parent Maxine McSherry said: "I have seven children and six of them went to Red Lane. Mrs McGrath was wonderful with every single child and she really cared for them.
"We raised more than enough money to hire the limousine - it was just what she deserved. We had it waiting at the bus stop where she normally catches the bus. She had no idea it was going to happen."
The celebrations are set to continue when Mrs McGrath meets up with school staff for a special meal.
In her retirement, Mrs McGrath is looking forward to travelling to places such as the Maldives and Dubai, and spending time with her family. She has three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
