A VOLUNTEER who dedicated nearly half a century to helping babies in Poole has retired aged 89.

Eileen Marks started working at Upton Health Centre in 1966 and has witnessed generations of families pass through the doors of its Well Baby Clinic since.

She had left a job as a clerical officer after giving birth to her first child and started using the centre for herself.

However, it wasn’t long before Eileen offered to help out – something she has continued doing for 48 years.

“I had a new grandad come in recently and I could remember him from when he was little,” said Eileen.

“That’s when I thought ‘gosh – I’ve been here a long time’.

“I will really miss it here – especially all the children. We have a two-year-old girl here at the moment who always calls out my name. It’s lovely.

“It’s been an incredibly special place for me and I will miss the camaraderie.”

To mark Eileen’s leaving; staff at the centre on Blandford Road North threw a leaving lunch for her on Tuesday where they reminisced about her contribution, which has included helping with baby weighing, immunisations and greeting people.

Eileen has been involved with numerous charitable causes throughout her life but, after suffering a heart attack last year and further illness more recently, decided the time was right to step aside. Health visitor Louise Smith, who has worked with Eileen for the last 10 years, marvelled at her commitment and said she will be deeply missed.

“She has given us and the whole community so much without ever asking for anything in return,” she added.

“We just all think she is amazing.”