Unsung Hero: Thomas Ashton, Oliver’s Chippy, Preston, Lancashire

Age: 20

Position: Fish frier

Nominated by owner Gillian Jervis, who says: “Thomas was the first member of staff to join us, he is always on time and a hard worker.

“He enjoys his job and has been able to overcome numerous challenges (some disabilities aren’t visible). He is a very valued member of staff.”

How long have you worked at Olivers for?

I have worked at Oliver’s Chippy for over two years now. I got the job after my foster carer came in for a chippy tea around a month after the shop opened. She had a chat with Arron and Gillian, the owners, and when she brought our food home she told me there was a job going. The next Monday, we had a chippy tea again so I could go too and give them my CV. Soon after, I did a trial shift where I served up the chips and sausages, and I got the job.

What are your responsibilities?

Since then, I started doing more and more things, like making orders and frying fish, and now I do everything: serving customers, folding boxes and frying fish. I prep the shop on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and every Saturday I clean the vents on the frying range and the bain maire. 

What is your favourite part of the job?

I don’t fully know what my favourite part of the job is yet, possibly frying fish.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

My least favourite part of this job would be splitting the fish, mainly because the fish juices get all over my hands!

What is it that you like about working at Oliver’s?

I like how good the food is especially when I make it! I enjoy having sausage barms the most and I get 50% off food, allowing me to eat at a lower price.

How do you feel about being nominated as an unsung hero?

I feel quite good about being nominated for Unsung Hero, I don’t mind when I don’t get any recognition, but I do like it when I do.