Surprise Gift for ‘Amazing’ Care Home Boss

A Northwich care home executive was given a surprise gift for her efforts in keeping staff and residents safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michelle Simpson, who leads the team at Stepping Stones in Northwich received a £40 voucher from Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) 12 Gifts of Christmas, after being nominated for the secret Santa-style initiative.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed when the gift card turned up on the doorstep,” said Michelle who has worked for sensory loss charity organisation DSN for more than two decades.

“It made it even more of a surprise that more than one person has put my name forward for the special gift. I am so grateful.”

Michelle and her team have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to care for residents who have a sensory loss and often other health conditions, in a bid to prevent them from contracting Coronavirus.

Michelle was nominated by a mystery person in November, and then Northwich BID consulted with town centre businesses to provide 12 people with a special gift in December as a mark of the community’s gratitude for their actions since the first lockdown and beyond.

Michelle added: “I’m really honoured to have been chosen as just one of 12 people in Northwich to receive a gift. So many people are doing so many amazing things, selflessly and admirably, so it’s great to be recognised alongside them too! A huge thank you to BID and whoever nominated me!”