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For nearly three decades Linda Wilson has been helping children get to school safely in her role as a lollipop lady. Now, the beloved member of St Mary's RC Primary School in Horwich , is being honoured with a medal as she retires after chalking up 29 years as the school crossing patrol, who also worked at Chorley New Road Primary School. A special assembly was held in school to show Linda how loved she is.
Linda Wilson (above) is retiring after 29 years as a lollipop lady. (Image: Leah Collins) For her service, she was presented with the Horwich Civic Award at a school assembly on Thursday April 3 – just one day before her retirement. Speaking to The Bolton News Linda said: “I’ve been doing this job for nearly 30 years.
I love the job and I love the children. “I’ve seen generations come through the school here and grow up, going on to have children of their own. I want to thank everyone from the community for their love and support.
Before working at St Mary's RC Primary School in Horwich, Linda previously worked at Chorley New Road Primary Academy. (Image: Leah Collins) “I will be embarking on a new chapter as I’m set to retire. I’m looking forward to having the freedom to do what I want and pick up my granddaughter, Eva, from school – which is something that I have never been able to do.
” Linda (left) is excited to spend more time with her granddaughter, Eva (right), when she retires. (Image: Leah Collins) READ MORE: Bolton pupils opting for home education nearly doubles Bolton's top 10 primary schools named based on results The Sixth Form Bolton teachers take part in strike actio n Road Safety Officer and Linda’s manager, Sue Tinker said: “We’re very sad to see Linda go, she’s done an amazing job and the kids at the school absolutely loved her. “It will be a great loss, but I understand her reasons for moving on, she wants more time to spend with her family, so we wish her all the best with that.
” Linda (left) with daughter, Gemma Russell (centre) and granddaughter, Eva Russell (right). (Image: Leah Collins) Linda’s daughter, Gemma Russell said: “Mum has been amazing, she’s loved the job so much and in return the parents and kids have loved her. “She knows all the kids by name and people recognise her when we go out – we could be sat in a restaurant and someone will go over to her from years ago, she’ll remember them! Ms Wilson appeared in a local newspaper article in 2003 celebrating 50 years of lollipop ladies across Bolton borough.
(Image: Linda Wilson) “She’s very popular, I know it was a tough decision for her but ultimately she decided to leave for the best, so that she had more time to spend with us.” Headteacher Dominique Hayes: "It is with both immense gratitude and a touch of sadness that we say goodbye to Linda Wilson, our wonderful Lollipop Lady. "For nearly three decades, she has been a constant presence at St Mary's school gates, guiding our children safely and warmly across the road, rain or shine, with an unwavering dedication that has touched the hearts of all.
"Over the years, she has watched our children grow, guiding them on their way to school with the same enthusiasm and care, regardless of how many years have passed. "She has seen generations of children come and go, always with a steady hand and a heart full of warmth. "Her legacy is not just in the roads she has helped cross, but in the countless lives she has touched.
She will always have a special place in the hearts of our school community.".
