Retirement is on the horizon for Karen Knight after a long and happy career at AstraZeneca.
She is already planning her next move after becoming one of the newest volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.
Away from her role as a contract manager at AZ, Karen has started shadowing weekend shifts on reception at the Hospice.
AZ long servant Karen Knight who volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.
Karen said: “I’ve been at AZ for 42 years and it’s no secret that I’ll be retiring in a couple of years.
“The thought of leaving scares me to be honest because I’ve been here since I was 17. It’s such a big part of my life and I love my job.
“I want to find something to fill that void and I’m sure the Hospice will help me do that. It’s also an opportunity to give something back.”
Karen went to Tytherington School, then exclusively for girls, before joining a building federation as a typist under a youth opportunities scheme.
She then joined ICI, later to become AZ, and has worked across sites at Alderley Park, Didsbury and Macclesfield where she has been based for the last 15 years.
Karen said: “I can honestly say I’ve never had a moment where I’ve not liked what I do at AZ. I’m so fortunate.
“My roles throughout my career have been completely satisfying. I enjoy coming to work and what I do.
“It’s been a huge part of my life and like another family. But I also need to look ahead and that’s why I started to get involved with the Hospice a few weeks ago. I want to keep my brain active when I retire.”
Karen has also served drinks to patients in A and E at Macclesfield and District General Hospital as a volunteer.
She said: “My AZ background is in procurement and contract management. I work in the department that supports the fundraising for our charity partners, the Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.
Karen said: “A friend passed away in the Hospice years ago and her family said she was so well looked after.
“I came away from my first volunteer shift thinking how nice the place is. Everyone was lovely, including visitors arriving at probably the worst moment in their lives.
“I was greeted warmly by nurses and reception staff and it’s nice to be part of that.
“I want to help make a difference.”