For four years after leaving school John – who has a learning disability – struggled to get a job and was beginning to think he’d never find an employer who’d give him a chance … until our Horwich store near Bolton offered him a role as a porter.
Now, 14 years later, his mum Christine has got in touch with us on Facebook to say how much the job has meant to him.
Here’s Christine’s original comment on our Facebook page:
Christine told us: "The colleagues have been absolutely brilliant. John loves his job and is held in high esteem by his colleagues. He’s made lots of friends and it’s been wonderful for him – we’re so proud of him.
“When he turned 16 we were concerned about his employment prospects. He had a few work experience placements but there was never a job offer at the end of the placements.
“He’s very, very responsible and is an incredibly helpful person – he’ll help anybody. He likes walking and being outside so this is a great role for him.”
John, who’s 34, said: "I got knocked back for quite a few jobs before I joined Asda, so getting a job with Asda was absolutely fantastic because I was beginning to think I would never get a job. To work for such a big company is a dream come true really.
“All of the colleagues are very supportive. They help me out if I get stuck and I’ve made lots of friends I can talk to about anything.
“I enjoy it because I can speak to people and it gets me out and about. If people need help I’m really happy to help them.”
The store’s Community Champion Lynda Gallimore said: "John is a lovely guy, always wanting to have a chat and always asking if you are ok.
“He is very polite and helpful with our customers and does a great job every day. In all weathers he is out there with a smile on his face.”
