Move over Bob the Builder there is a new DIY expert in town.
Carer Karen Robinson, 33, has earned a reputation for carrying our repair at pensioners’ homes during visits across Macclesfield.
She has replaced dozens of light bulbs, plugs and doorknobs, fitted curtain rails, mended broken extractor fans and even done some plumbing.
All this has been completed using a tool box she carries in the back of her car.
Going above and beyond to help her elderly clients doesn’t just stop at DIY.
Last year during heavy snow Karen commandeered a tractor to reach a pensioner who lives on an isolated farm.
Her efforts have earned her plenty of praise from clients, their families and her employers Home Instead Senior Care.
The single mum-of-two from Alderley Edge has gained such a reputation she even gets calls from her colleagues when they come across odd-jobs that need doing.
She has also earned the nickname ‘Wendy’, Bob the Builder’s fictional workmate.
Karen says she does it for the love of it.
She said: "Over years through different jobs and training I have picked up a lot of handy life skills.
"I love my job as it combined helping the elderly and being able to use those DIY skills.
"Sometimes the clients are apprehensive about letting me free on their homes, but when they realise I am capable, and they can save a lot of money from hiring professional tradesmen, they are more than happy.
"It just comes naturally to me, I just love caring and helping people."
Karen has worked from Home Instead’s Macclesfield office for three years.
Julie Akroyd, owner of Home Instead, said: "Karen is one of our wonderful team of care givers and also on-call supervisor and she is an invaluable member of the team and a truly inspirational person who thoroughly embodies the Home Instead ethos.
"No matter rain, wind or chest high snow she has never, ever let a client down."
