A WOMAN whose business has been part of the community for 27 years will retire next week.

Carol Stone, 58, from Ascot, runs physiotherapy business the PhysioFirst Centre in Kingswick Road, Sunninghill.

After helping thousands of patients over the years she has decided the time is right and will retire next Friday.

She said: “I set up the business 27 years ago and I feel the time is right to close this chapter and move on to the next one.

“I’ve served countless numbers of patients and everyone has been so supportive.

“It will be difficult to let it go because over the years the patients I have treated have not only been patients of mine but also have become great friends.

“I have often helped out several generations of the same family which shows you how long the business has been established in the community.” She has helped treat everything from muscular injuries to spinal and sporting injuries. She has cited the continued support of GPs and doctors in the area as one of the main reasons for the longevity of the business.

She will not only retire but will also shut down the business too, saying it would be too difficult for her to pass it on.

“The business is all about the people really and they’ve been a great support and really good friends to me over the years. I decided to close the business because it’s not something that I can pass on easily.

“My staff are going to other physiotherapy centres nearby so I would rather recommend my clients going to visit people they’re familiar with.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the local GPs and doctors who have all been really supportive of me since I first set up the business.

“The residents have all been very friendly too.” Mrs Stone has decided to move to Swindon for her retirement but will return to Ascot regularly to visit friends and former clients.