'Absolute legend' Maureen retires from Asda after 28 years of helping the community

A very happy retirement to our fabulous colleague Maureen Wallwork who's been at our Washington store for 28 years and received a British Empire Medal in 2017 for her work as community champion.

Maureen has been a familiar face in the local community, working with schools, charities and good causes in the local area including Age UK, the Royal British Legion and Friends of Sulgrave Manor, as well as getting behind our Tickled Pink breast cancer charity campaign and our Fight Hunger Create Change initiative.

Store manager Steve McKenna says Maureen is an "absolute Asda legend" who will be sorely missed by everyone at Asda Washington.

He said: "I've known Maureen since I started as night shift manager in Washington 24 years ago. She's such a warm, caring person who will do anything for anyone and becoming community champion was just a natural role for her.

"Her work in the community has been amazing and we were all so proud when was awarded the British Empire Medal.

"She will be sorely missed by everyone here at Asda Washington – colleagues, customers and the boat loads of charities and groups that she helped."

When Maureen received her BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Susan Whitfield OBE, the then Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight gave this glowing tribute. She said: "Maureen is a great example for us all, and a credit to the people of her local community and the city of Sunderland.

"She's a great ambassador for volunteers and the voluntary sector. Without people like Maureen life would not be the same for so many people who need our help and support."