Trevor, 85, returns to work at EYG’s York branch after finding home “unbearable” after his wife’s passing

8th September 2023

Retired EYG sales consultant Trevor Bottomley who left the firm in 2017 to become a carer for his wife has returned to work at the age of 85 after she sadly passed away.

Trevor, from East Yorkshire, quit work as a sales consultant at EYG’s Hull showroom on the same day his beloved wife Maureen had a stroke, in order to become her full time carer.

He was by his wife Maureen’s side every day until she passed away in April this year.

But after finding it “unbearable” being at home without his wife of 64-years by his side, he popped in one day while passing, to say ‘hello’ to former colleagues, and ended up getting a job.

Trevor, who has worked in the home improvements industry for 53 years, said: “When my wife had a stroke, I had to leave that day, which was a work day. EYG kindly did not expect me to work the mandatory two weeks’ notice, for which I was very grateful. I then became her full time carer.

“She sadly passed away in April, and I hate being at home now, without her it’s just horrible.

“I was taking my car in to the garage a few months after Maureen died, and I thought I’d pop in and say hi. I got chatting to the sales manager and he told me they were opening a new branch, and he asked if I fancied a job.

“I couldn’t believe it. I talked it over with my two daughters and they said ‘go for it Dad’.

“So I accepted the job, and I start on Friday, working five days a week. It’s my choice to work five days, I feel totally able to do the job. I have kept up-to-date with technology and have no trouble working my laptop, email, and social media.”

Trevor’s role will see him based at EYG’s new branch showroom within the grounds of Langlands Garden Centre in Shiptonthorpe, near York, where he will be welcoming customers and advising them about their range of windows, doors, and conservatories.

He has been there every day overseeing the build of a new garden room on site, which will double as his office.

Trevor will drive half an hour each way and work 9-5 five days a week, with colleagues staffing the office for the other two days of the week.

Despite having been diagnosed twice with cancer and his advancing age, Trevor is confident he is the best man for the job.

“I have five decades of experience in the industry, there is nothing I don’t know about windows, doors, home extensions, roofs, conservatories and fascias and soffits.”

He added: “It’s the last thing I expected to happen but I am delighted. I am chomping at the bit to get started, I am so excited.

“I think it’s great that EYG took me on and have given me this chance at my age, not many companies give work to more mature workers and it’s a shame as we have experience and knowledge that you just can’t beat.”

EYG’s Sales and Marketing Director John Waugh said: “I am delighted to give Trevor the opportunity to come and work for us, he’s worked for us in the past and proved to be an excellent sales consultant who understands not only the products, but the customers, and their needs. We know he’s a great fit for the job and we are happy to have him back.”

Trevor, who is also a semi-professional pianist with a Facebook following of more than 70,000 people worldwide, added: “I’ll be looking forward to welcoming people through my door and can’t wait to meet lots of new faces, it’s a new lease of life for me.”

The EYG York showroom is opening on Friday, September 8, and will be open seven-days-a-week.