A CARER is set to fulfil her dreams of travelling after dedicating nearly 32 years of her life working at a home for the elderly.Ethel Higgins, 64, started at Magdalen House, Gorleston while looking after her sickly mother, because it was close to where she lived and the hours were practical.

A CARER is set to fulfil her dreams of travelling after dedicating nearly 32 years of her life working at a home for the elderly.

Ethel Higgins, 64, started at Magdalen House, Gorleston while looking after her sickly mother, because it was close to where she lived and the hours were practical.

But what started out as a job of convenience developed into a lifelong passion that saw her rise from being a cleaner to becoming a respected member of the caring team, looking after the mentally infirm residents.

On Sunday, she went in for her final night shift an hour early for an understated farewell party organised by those who work alongside her.

Great grandmother Mrs Higgins, who lives in Gorleston, said: “I've stayed her for so long because I enjoy looking after people, and we all work together as a group here which is the most important thing.

“I'm always laughing and cheerful and I'm always trying to make the residents laugh because it goes a long way towards making them happy. I'm going to miss them all but you can't work forever.”

However, having said her farewells Mrs Higgins, a twin, will be celebrating her birthday at the end of this month with her sisters and their husbands in Benidorm.