LOUISE WADE

I’ve been lucky enough to work for the James Hopkins Trust for the past 18 years and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute. I started as one of the younger members of the staff and now I’m the old lady of the office!!

I started working part time in the little office we occupied at Jordans Brook, filing and addressing envelopes etc. As I learnt more about the work of James Hopkins Trust I longed to become more involved. My chance came when Kites Corner was built. Along with my colleagues I watched the plans become a reality and marvelled at the facilities it grew to provide. It became necessary to employ new staff, one of which was a Playleader. I saw this as my cue and as I am Early Years qualified, I applied. To my delight I was offered the job and thus became part of the James Hopkins Trust family. I have been fortunate to work with many amazing children and their families who taught me so much about not taking things for granted and appreciating the life I had. I watched as the centre grew to incorporate a conservatory, a sensory garden and bedrooms, enabling us to help so many more families. Unfortunately, due to ill health, I had to leave my job as Playleader.

I so desperately wanted to remain part of the James Hopkins Trust team so I applied for a job as an Administration Assistant. I had gone full circle back to where I started. Since then my job role has developed as the Trust has grown and I am now very proud to be the Administration Supervisor.

I am one of the very few people who can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy my job. Everyone involved with the Trust has such belief and passion in what they do and I am very proud to be part of such a dedicated team. I know that, no matter how much the Trust grows, the core values and family atmosphere that were so important to Vance and Heather when they set up James Hopkins Trust will remain.

Happy Birthday James Hopkins Trust. I hope there will be many more.