Asda cashier great-gran says working at 80 'keeps me young'

A great-gran who has been a cashier at Asda for almost four decades shows no signs of slowing down, after marking her 80th birthday in store.

Joan McAloon, who is also a gran of ten, celebrated the milestone birthday at the checkout in Cumbernauld last week, decked out in a special “birthday girl” tiara gifted by her colleagues.

Despite 38 years of service, she has her sights set on another two behind the till to reach her dream of hitting four decades at the store.

“I really like my job,” said Joan.

“Coming in to work and talking to people keeps your mind active, it keeps me young. I like talking to the customers and I like my colleagues. They are a good bunch here, all very friendly.”

Joan, who has been married to husband Tommy for 60 years, says working at Asda makes her forget her age.

“Being here all these years, I know a lot of people and I have regular customers who will come to my till,” she said.

“We talk about everything. Our elderly customers like to chat and sometimes I forget that I’m elderly myself.”

Joan took to the tills to mark her 80th birthday Morrow Communications

Staff decided to surprise Joan on her birthday, decorating her till with balloons to mark the occasion.

“The birthday celebration at work was a surprise, but lovely,” she said. “Everyone knew, even the customers.”

She added: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but the biggest has been technology. I just go with it and learn as I go – you’ve got to, don’t you?

“My goal is to reach my 40-year mark.”

Her colleague Jade Gray said: “Joan is lovely, she’s brilliant. She’s so friendly and colleagues and customers love her. She doesn’t look her age at all.”

Lynne Morrison, Asda Cumbernauld community champion, added: “Happy Birthday to Joan celebrating her 80th birthday. All the best from all your colleagues here at Asda Cumbernauld.”