A DEDICATED Asda employee is celebrating 35 years of working at stores across Glasgow and beyond this year.

Gerry O’Reilly first began working with the supermarket’s Cumbernauld store at just 18 years old while he was studying at university.

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Glasgow Times:

Looking back to his first day he said: “I remember when I found out I got the job at Asda Cumbernauld all those years ago.

“I was so nervous but also excited to start something new.

“I really enjoyed working there and I was able to finish my degree at the same time, so it was brilliant.” 

Over the next three decades Gerry, 53, went on to work at stores including Cumbernauld, Toryglen, Maryhill, Clydebank, St Leonard’s and Galashiels.

Spending around three years in each branch, the dedicated worker climbed the professional ladder and made plenty of lifelong friends on his way including mentor John Murphy who he hails as a ‘credit to Asda’.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “My favourite part of the job is the friends you make on the journey.

“Every day is different, and we all go through challenges in life, but the people at Asda make it all worth it. I’ve made so many friends in my career who I now consider friends for life.

“Great colleagues make the job easier and the team we have at Asda is really special.”

Gerry has now taken on the role of general store manager at the Asda Newmains shop where he celebrated his milestone anniversary amongst new colleagues.

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Asda Newmains colleague, Martina Stewart, said: “Gerry is such a lovely guy.

“He’s like a breath of fresh air and is so approachable and friendly.

“We are looking forward to working with him and know he’ll be a great asset to the store.”