A long-serving AstraZeneca employee is looking to 'give something back' to a charity close to her heart.

Karen Knight has spent more than four decades working at the biopharmaceutical company.

Now, as she approaches retirement, the 59-year-old has started volunteering at East Cheshire Hospice, shadowing weekend shifts on the reception.

Karen said: "I've been at AZ for 42 years and it's no secret that I'll be retiring in a couple of years.

"The thought of leaving scares me to be honest because I've been here since I was 17. It's such a big part of my life and I love my job.

"I want to find something to fill that void and I'm sure the hospice will help me do that. It's also an opportunity to give something back."

The hospice is a cause close to Karen's heart.

She added: "A friend passed away in the hospice years ago and her family said she was so well looked after.

"I came away from my first volunteer shift thinking how nice the place is. Everyone was lovely, including visitors arriving at probably the worst moment in their lives.

"I was greeted warmly by nurses and reception staff and it's nice to be part of that.

"I want to help make a difference."

East Cheshire Hospice (Credit: Nub News)

Karen went to Tytherington School, then exclusively for girls, before joining a building federation as a typist under a youth opportunities scheme.

She then joined ICI, later to become AZ, and has worked across sites at Alderley Park, Didsbury and Macclesfield where she has been based for the last 15 years.

She works in procurement and contract management, with her department supporting the fundraising for AZ's charity partners, East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Karen said: "I can honestly say I've never had a moment where I've not liked what I do at AZ. I'm so fortunate.

"My roles throughout my career have been completely satisfying. I enjoy coming to work and what I do.

"It's been a huge part of my life and like another family. But I also need to look ahead and that's why I started to get involved with the Hospice a few weeks ago. I want to keep my brain active when I retire."

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