Two staff members of Devon in Sight made front-page news when their colleagues held a joint leaving do for them.
Outreach and activities worker Ben Gavan and office administrator Jessica Deacon have now both said farewell to the county-wide charity which works with people with visual impairment, as they seek new opportunities elsewhere.
The charity’s chairman Gwyn Dickinson MBE presented them with gifts including flowers and framed ‘special edition’ front pages of the Topsham-based organisation’s newsletter, Vision Matters, in their honour.
Ben said: “During our time at Devon in Sight we have really enjoyed working with everyone here. Not only have we made new friends, but hopefully lifelong friends.
“We’re both really touched by the gifts and kind words, it meant a lot.”
Jessica said: “Everyone I have worked with here has been really inspiring in different ways and I’m looking forward to seeing how the charity will move forward and develop – I’m very excited about what’s ahead for Devon in Sight.
“I was also really pleased to see so many of the charity’s trustees who came along to wish us well, it was very touching.”
The charity’s Operations Manager Grahame Flynn said: “I’d like to thank Jessica and Ben for their outstanding contributions to Devon in Sight in the time that they have been with us. They have been dedicated ambassadors for our work helping people with visual impairment.
“They will both be missed by everyone here and we wish them all the very best in the future.
“At the same time as saying farewell to two Ben and Jessica, I’d like to welcome Jennie Bentham to the team. Jennie has joined us as our new administration co-ordinator, after having spent 10 years as Marketing Director at Exeter’s St Margaret’s School.”