For many, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to spend a bit more time with mum and show appreciation for her in the form of flowers, chocolates and cards. However, for four colleagues every day is an opportunity to spend time with their mothers – working side-by-side in the store.
Audrey and Jamie Doig have both worked alongside each other at Asda Southgate Circus for the past 15 years. Audrey, who has been described by her fellow colleagues as an inspiration and has at times left her managers ‘in awe’, has suffered with multiple health issues during her long service at the store and has been lucky to have her son, now 35, by her side to support her throughout the difficult times.
The other mother and daughter duo Dora Sandiford and Maria Mouthari have enjoyed three years working together in store. Dora works on the checkouts and Maria works on General Merchandising. The family connection doesn’t end there, as Dora’s sister also works alongside the pair in store.
Audrey said:“Having Jamie working beside me at Asda has been amazing. We live locally to the store anyway but working together means we get to spend lots of quality time together. We’ve become so close over the last 15 years and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with my son.”
Jamie said: “It’s great to see mum at work and
get the opportunity to check in on her during the times when she’s been so
unwell. I started at the store back in 2002 and my mum started just a few months later. It feels normal to work in the same place as the store is like a big family – our colleagues care about my mum’s wellbeing in the same way that I do.”
Gifty Banno, Trading Manager at Asda Southgate Circus, said, “I speak on behalf of all of us at the Southgate Circus store when I say that we have the upmost respect for Audrey, who turns up for work with a smile on her face despite her health issues which often leave her in serious pain. She’s always laughing and joking and is an
exceptionally hardworking colleague. It’s really touching to see her son
working with her in store and I believe that it keeps her positive.”
“It’s lovely to see such great family relationships blossom into friendships here at Asda Southgate Circus. They inspire everyone here to work hard as a team. We are thrilled they are being recognised for the great jobs they have done over the years!”