A Suffolk healthcare worker has taken the plunge into retirement in a unique way by bathing in baked beans on her last day. 

Riet Jones, from Finningham, Suffolk, wanted to mark the occasion with a unique fundraiser in aid of Cancer Research and even dressed as a mermaid while she was showered with beans.

Like many, she has lost loved ones to different forms of cancer and wanted to do something as several residents at Walcot Hall are also undergoing cancer treatment. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones has been working in healthcare for 40 years. Riet Jones has been working in healthcare for 40 years. (Image: Healthcare Homes)East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion. Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

The homes operation manager said: “I don’t mind making a fool of myself and it is all for a good cause."

The Finningham resident has spent four decades in healthcare with her latest role as the operations manager at Walcot Hall in Diss.

The grandmother marked her retirement from full time work on Friday during the home's summer fete. 

She described it as the "grand finale" as residents, their families and her colleagues watched on or mucked in to cover the much loved team member in beans. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans.Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary/Newsquest Charlotte Bond)

The operations manager said: “It’s something we’ve been planning for a little while.  

“You have to do something spectacular for your retirement. 

“I might be fed up of baked beans by the end of it but it's all for a good cause and the whole fete is going towards Cancer Research."

East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans.Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Born in the Netherlands, Riet has worked in a number of roles including as a nurse and community psychiatric nurse as well as a care home manager. 

“I’ve done lots of fundraising in the past but nothing quite as mad as this," she added. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans.Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)East Anglian Daily Times: Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans.Riet Jones donned a mermaid outfit for the occasion before being covered in baked beans. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

She still plans to work ad-hoc for the company and she is looking forward to holidays and spending time with her grandchildren. 

To find out more about Riet's fundraiser visit her donation page.