AN 80-YEAR-OLD carer has proved that age is nothing but a number as she celebrates her 17th year in the profession.

Mary Carter, who is believed to be the town’s oldest carer, works at Bluebird Care, in Church Place. The mother-of-three, from Stratton St Margaret, may be decades older than people she looks after but that hasn’t put the sprightly community stalwart off caring for people for nearly two decades.

Born-and-bred Swindonian Mary worked as a wages clerk for 30 years before her career change

“I had worked for 30 years in the railway and as a clerk and one of my daughter’s friends suggested that I might be a good carer, I applied for the job and that was it. Years later I still love the job and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.

“I love my job, I love caring. It makes me feel useful and like I can give something back. I’ve never considered retiring. I’ll keep going for as long as I’m physically able to."

Mary, who recently became a great-grandmother for the fourth time, said her age combined with her love and knowledge of the town make her a hit with the people she cares for.

“Many of our customers have dementia, but while they can’t recall things that have just happened they can often remember Swindon from days gone by. Because I am a similar age to them, and because I am local, I can get on their wavelength and we can chat away.”

“I have never heard anyone refer to my age, I think it shows that as long as you have determination you can do anything you want to.”

“All my friends and family are so proud of me.”

One of Mary’s regular visits is to 63-year-old John Sadler, who Mary has cared for since the start of her time at Bluebird.

“I love meeting people and interacting with them. With John, he loves going out to Wroughton churchyard. I bring a flask of tea and some ginger biscuits and we just sit and talk,” she said.

Mary said her uniform caused one problem for husband of 48 years, 86-year-old Ronald, a retired engineer from Garrards.

“I went along with him to the doctors’ surgery, where he had an appointment, and I was wearing my uniform,” she said.

“He was very quick to point out that I wasn’t his carer. In fact, he says if I ever retire he’ll go back to work himself.”

The multi-tasking grandmother-of-seven combines her care work with a Wednesday job on the Tote at Swindon Greyhound stadium, a role she has held down for 54 years.

Ben Curtis, managing director at Bluebird Care Swindon, said he was delighted to have Mary setting an example to carers everywhere.

“It takes a certain person to be a carer, and often older people are particularly well-suited to the role,” said Ben.

“Mary isn’t our only older carer, but she is our oldest. We find they are all especially popular with our customers.

"We’d love to hear from anyone interested in care as a career, and age is certainly no barrier.”

For more information contact Bluebird Care Swindon on 01793 239 498.