Four mums work alongside their kids at Asda Antrim – and their stories are heartwarming

Optical advisor Carol-Ann Kirkpatrick with 23-year-old daughter Rachel.

Mother’s Day will be extra special at Asda Antrim this year, where four mums will celebrate the occasion alongside their own children who work as colleagues in the store.

From quick chats between shifts to shared laughter on the shop floor, the families say working together brings a unique bond – even if it sometimes means seeing a little too much of each other.

Among them is optical advisor Carol-Ann Kirkpatrick, who works alongside her 23-year-old daughter Rachel.

“The best bit is that we know all the same people, so we get to have a good old gossip,” she said. “We get on great, and we’re even planning a trip together to Vegas. Apparently, she’s going to take me shopping!”

Rachel agrees that sharing a workplace brings them closer, though she admits it has one downside.

“She sees me a LOT and can’t keep anything a secret,” she joked.

Comfort of family at work

Ann Simpson, 62, with son Ricky, 40.

For Ann Simpson, 62, the connection is slightly different. Her son Ricky, 40, is the store’s Ambient Replenishment Manager, but the pair work in different departments.

That means their paths do not cross often – but when they do, it matters.

“But when I do see him, it’s always a comfort,” said Ann. “I love when my children visit me and for Mother’s Day I usually get flowers, money or perfume. Flowers are my favourite, I have to say.”

Ricky added that having his mum in the same workplace has its perks.

“The best bit about working with my mum is that I’m the boss at work – unlike at home,” he said, before adding that the best gift he ever gave Ann was something far more meaningful.

“The best gift I ever got Mum was her granddaughter Maisie, who was born just a few weeks before Mother’s Day five years ago.”

Quick check-ins on the shop floor

Angela McIlveen, 54, and her son Shea

Another mum-and-son duo are Angela McIlveen, 54, and her son Shea, who both work as shop floor colleagues.

Angela says the simple moments during the day are what matter most.

“I love working with Shea and getting to have a quick check in to see how he’s doing,” she said. “I have two sons, and the best bit about Mother’s Day is that the boys know me really well, so they always pick me something they know I’ll love.”

Shea said even the briefest encounters mean a lot.

“Even if it’s just a quick hello, it’s always nice to see my mum for a minute during the day as I like to know she’s OK.”

Passing shifts between mother and daughter

Anna Hogg, 53, with daughter Constance, 19.

Meanwhile, Anna Hogg, 53, who works as Nights Manager, shares the store with her daughter Constance, 19.

Their schedules mean they rarely work side by side, but they still catch glimpses of each other as one shift ends and another begins.

“Constance is coming into work as I’m going home, so it tends to be a quick catch up in the morning,” Anna explained.

“There have been some challenges – the worst was when we both worked days and she used to think I could come running whenever she wanted me. I think she forgot I was working too!”

Anna says having her daughter working there adds something special, particularly at Mother’s Day.

“I have two boys as well, and having a girl in the mix is great because she knows what I like. I always get a surprise from the kids for Mother’s Day – something Constance usually sorts.

“I used to love all the cards and arts they made in primary school, but I’m glad to say that Constance usually makes me a lovely breakfast, or a nice coffee and one of her homemade buns if she’s working.”

Constance hinted that this year’s present might be particularly memorable.

“I can’t reveal what the best present is that I’ve ever got Mum – because it’s definitely this year’s present. I know she’s going to love it!”

With four mother-and-child colleague teams sharing the same workplace, Asda Antrim is marking a Mother’s Day filled with family connections, laughter and the small moments that make working life together a little more special.

At a glance

• Asda Antrim has four sets of mothers and their children working together in the store.

• The families are preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day while working as colleagues.

• Optical advisor Carol-Ann Kirkpatrick works with her daughter Rachel, 23.

• Ann Simpson and her son Ricky, the store’s Ambient Replenishment Manager, work in different departments.

• Angela McIlveen and her son Shea are both shop floor colleagues.

• Nights Manager Anna Hogg works opposite shifts to her daughter Constance, 19.

• The families say working together allows for quick check-ins, shared jokes and a stronger bond.

• The stories highlight how family life and working life often intertwine in local workplaces.