Debbie dedicated – at home and at work

Debbie Steele with her son, Nick.

AN award-winning employee has proved she isn’t just dedicated at work.

Debbie Steele, assistant department manager for soft furnishings at Housing Units, was nominated for the Employee of the Month award by her colleagues.

But while she works hard enough to make the highest grade at the store, Debbie (47), from Propps Hall Drive, Failsworth, has a much bigger challenge on her hands — supporting her 18-year-old son Nick through treatment for bone cancer.

“Given the challenges Debbie has at home, it’s amazing quite how focused, dedicated, friendly and supportive she can be with customers and colleagues alike,” said Nick Fox, director of Housing Units.

Son Nick is taking a break from his A-Levels at Oldham Sixth-Form College, while he undergoes chemotherapy.

He is due to go for treatment at a specialist orthopaedic hospital unit in Birmingham and may have to have by-pass surgery.

Debbie, who was pleased to get recognition for her hard work, said: “He was only diagnosed in February. He’s very poorly and at times he can be in hospital for four or five days. We’ve been told the tumours in his chest are shrinking, so that is good news.

“It’s a challenge to do a full day at work and then get up to The Christie in Didsbury, stay until 9pm and then come back home.

“Work have been very understanding and have let me change my holiday dates to have time off with Nick.

“When he’s had his surgery that will be a significant landmark — then we’ll celebrate my award.”

Debbie had a choice of prizes as her reward, but has decided to go on an all-expenses-paid night out with husband Ian.