WHEN Margaret Thorn first started work as an agency nurse at the Epilepsy Society she thought she would only be there for a few weeks.

That was back in July 1983 - and only now is she finishing work at the Chalfont St Peter-based charity, after a 30 year career.

A farewell party is being held in her honour on Saturday, which is her final official day with the Epilepsy Society.

But she said that won't be the end of her involvement with the renowned charity, despite taking a step back to spend more time with her family.

She said: "I'm not leaving completely; I plan to volunteer my help from time to time and to stay in touch with my brilliant team and the amazing and very special residents in Queen Elizabeth House and at the Epilepsy Society."

During her time at the Epilepsy Society she has seen many changes and worked in every one of the residential care homes at the Chesham Lane site in Chalfont St Peter. Currently she manages Queen Elizabeth House, which looks after people needing specialist nursing care for their epilepsy and their physical and learning disabilities.

Mrs Thorn said: "I will be terribly sad to leave. I will especially miss all the residents who live here and the staff whom I have worked with especially my team who work in Queen Elizabeth House. However, I'm leaving with many happy memories."

No fewer than five royal visits have taken place in Mrs Thorn's time at Epilepsy Society, with The Queen, Princess Diana, The Duchess of Wessex, The Duchess of Gloucester and The Princess Royal all passing through on her watch.

But Mrs Thorn, of Broom Hill, Stoke Poges, said: "It’s the day to day life I've enjoyed here the most, but it's time for me to move on. I want to spend more time with my Dad, who's 92, and enjoy long walks with my dog Oscar.

"I plan to do some work in my house, catch up with friends and spend lots of time watching Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium."

A further ten Epilepsy Society members of staff  were also commended for their long service to the charity at an awards ceremony last week.

Carol Duerdoth has been with the charity for 21 years while Lynda Chapman, Carol Wilds, Avinash Shah, David Hornsby, Santhakumari Carthiyaniamma, Judy Consden, Cecilia Mudzviti, Floreza Permalino and Eddy Lukenwa have all worked for the Epilepsy Society for ten years.