Newcastle Care Home Worker Celebrates 35 Years of Service

A committed Newcastle care professional who has spent 35 years caring for residents and supporting colleagues has celebrated a remarkable milestone with Solehawk Ltd.

Linda Nigrelli has been a familiar face at Ashton Court Care Home in Newcastle for more than three decades, having first joined the family-run care provider in 1991.

Over the years, Linda has witnessed significant changes across the organisation, worked in several of its Newcastle care homes and become a much-loved member of the team.

Her association with the family behind Solehawk goes back even further, having attended school with Aran Handa, one of the company’s owners.

Linda began her career as a cook at the original Ashton Court Care Home on West Road in Newcastle before transferring to Kenton Hall Care Home in around 1996, when Ashton Court closed for redevelopment.

During her time at Kenton Hall, she witnessed further changes as the original building was demolished to make way for the new Kenton Manor Care Home.

When the rebuilt Ashton Court reopened, Linda returned as head chef, a position she held for many years and where her dedication and culinary skills earned her recognition throughout her career, including nominations for the prestigious Great British Care Awards.

In 2023, health issues meant Linda was no longer able to continue working as a chef. However, such was her importance to the home and its team that a new opportunity was found for her as receptionist.

Today, Linda continues to welcome residents, relatives, visitors and colleagues to Ashton Court, bringing the same warmth, commitment and friendly personality that have made her such a valued member of the Solehawk family.

Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk Ltd, said: “Reaching 35 years with one organisation is an incredible achievement, and Linda has been part of our story for such a long time.

“She has seen our homes change and develop, worked with generations of colleagues and played an important role in the lives of so many residents and their families.

“Linda has always been much more than a member of staff. She is part of the fabric of Ashton Court and the wider company, and her loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm are something very special.

“When her health meant she could no longer continue in the kitchen, we were determined that we didn’t want to lose someone with so much experience and such a strong connection to the home. Moving into reception meant Linda could continue doing what she does so well, making people feel welcome and cared for.

“She has given 35 years of outstanding service, and we are delighted to celebrate this wonderful milestone with her. We hope she knows just how much she is appreciated by everyone.”