Asda Ashton staff member receives widespread praise

A STAFF member at a supermarket in Ashton-under-Lyne has been widely praised after coming to the rescue of a disabled shopper.

The woman needed help when her electric scooter broke down in Asda’s Cavendish Street store.

That’s when service section leader Tom McKenna, who joined Asda in 2007 at the age of 17 as the store greeter, stepped in.

Tom said: “The scooter broke down and the lady was stuck so I helped out the best I could, as I would do for anyone. She was just so lovely and we had a little laugh together.”

The woman’s partner took to social media to thank Tom, saying: “Just wanted to say how amazing manager Tom was in helping my disabled wife when the scooter conked out. So lovely and friendly and really made things easier. Thank you.”

The store’s community champion Joanne Mottershead commented: “Tom is always making his colleagues laugh and makes working with him fun. This extends to our customers too with his cheeky smile, infectious laugh and his kind, helpful manner.

“Many customers still remember Tom as our store greeter from all those years ago, because no one beats Tom on a Tannoy!”

After Asda shared details about Tom’s thoughtful actions, he has also received a lot of love from customers on Facebook.

Donna Wilkinson wrote: “He’s such a helpful man when you go in store, he’s always happy, well done Tom!”

Dawn Murphy said: “Tom is amazing. Every interaction he has with staff and customers is always on the most appropriate level. I’ve watched him grow from working on the tills to the role he’s in now and he’s hard-working, efficient, kind and knowledgeable.”

Pauline Harris commented: “Tom is always a delight to see in the Ashton store, running here, there and everywhere. I remember his voice over the Tannoy too. Well done, and it’s lovely to see members of staff who go out of their way to help and be polite to customers getting recognition.”