Fond farewell for NI McDonald's worker with Down's Syndrome as he retires after 25 years

A Co Derry man with Down's Syndrome has been given a fond farewell after 25 years working in McDonalds, thanks to help from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's supported housing scheme.

Philip Waring, at the age of 52, has finally hung up his baseball cap and enjoyed a send-off from his friends and colleagues as he retires from his job at McDonald's in Coleraine where he had been helping keep the place spick and span since 1999.

Living in a Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) supported housing scheme, close to the town centre, it was only a 10 minute commute for Philip. Talking about his time at McDonalds he said: “It was a lovely party, and my dad and sister Stephanie came and some people who I hadn’t seen for a while came in specially. It was lovely, and thank you to my boss, Paul, for the party, as it was very special. I will miss everyone."

Read more: Musician told hospital patient he had 'healing hands' as he indecently assaulted her

Read more: Counterfeit goods worth over £200K seized from five NI retail premises

He continued: “I really loved my job and I liked to clean and keep things tidy and over the years the staff there became my friends and I’m sad to be leaving."

Philip began working for McDonalds in 1999, five years after it opened, around the same time plans for Willow Brook, PCI’s supported housing scheme, were being drawn up.

Francis Mooney, who is a part of PCI’s management team at Willow Brook, explained that Philip’s father, Rev Jim Waring, along with other parents, approached PCI having seen a real need for suitable local supported accommodation for his son, and others with Down’s Syndrome and intellectual disabilities. As a result, in 2002 Willow Brook opened, with Philip as one of its first tenants.

Managed by PCI’s Council for Social Witness, the all-Ireland denomination’s social care arm, in partnership with Choice Housing, Willow Brook provides accommodation for nine tenants, three residing in single bungalow units, while six tenants live in two larger buildings, each comprising three flats.

“We are very proud of Philip, as we are of all our tenants,” Francis Mooney said. “Not only did he start his work placement in McDonald’s 25 years ago, Philip maintained it for over half his life, with very few days off for any reason. Simply put, he is a gentleman, even if he does support Chelsea!

"No task is too much trouble for him, if it is within his capability, Philip will complete every task. In his own kind and gently way, he exudes the love and compassion of Christ and this unquestionably has been nurtured by his family over the years.”

Mr Mooney continued: “I am told that he was the epitome of the perfect employee. Eager to work, a team player, friendly, efficient, consistent and someone who took pride in every task great or small. With the help of many people, from day opportunity staff, Triangle Supported Employment officers, social workers from the Northern Trust and the staff and management at McDonald’s down the years, they have all enabled Philip to carry out his duties for a quarter of a century, which is a wonderful achievement! He certainly deserves his retirement.”

Speaking at the party, one of Philip’s colleagues said: “I’ve worked with Philip for over 15 years and when I heard he was retiring I was devastated because I thought I had missed the chance to say goodbye to him. He’s been great to work with and it’s been our pleasure to hold a retirement party for him today. It’s the least we could do."

Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.