Trust porter (90) says hard work all his life keeps him on his toes now at the South Eastern HSC Trust
There was cause for much celebration and lots of cake at Lisburn’s Primary and Community Care Centre as the South Eastern Trust’s legend, Jimmy Chapman, who has never taken a day off work, marked his 90th birthday.
A Charge Porter, Jimmy is a familiar face to the many patients and staff who have come through the doors of the Centre and Lagan Valley Hospital, where he has spent over three decades of his life…… and he has no intention of slowing down!
Awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) and recipient of the Trust’s Chairman’s Award, Jimmy’s friends packed into the Centre to wish him well and enjoy a slice of birthday cake.
When asked for his secret to a long life, Jimmy simply replied: “Hard work!”
Jimmy added: “I really feel great and it is marvellous to celebrate my birthday with my friends and all the people here.”
To celebrate his incredible years of service, the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust, Roisin Coulter, was on hand to pay tribute to Jimmy and help plant a rhododendron in his honour.
Roisin described Jimmy as “An absolute shining example of what it means to work in the South Eastern Trust. Jimmy has got the values, the culture, the respect and the ‘can do’ attitude – he would do anything for anybody.
“You mean the world to everybody in Lisburn, in this Primary Care Centre and it is so important for us to say thank you very much and have a lovely birthday!”
Jimmy’s friend and colleague, Trust Health Centre Manager, Jacqueline McComb described him as a, “remarkable man.”
“He has come through many personal challenges of his own, but yet he has never taken a day off work.
“He does so much and always endears himself to the staff and patients who come into the building. Jimmy is always there to help.
“He just has that ability to connect with people and help them at their point of need, which is the ethos of the Trust. Jimmy is part of our Trust family here. He makes all of our days that bit brighter.”
Jimmy added, “It was very nice to have the tree planted. I have enjoyed every minute working for the Trust. The people I work with are brilliant and I hope to keep on going!”
