THE CIVIC Mayor of Tameside surprised some poorly children during a recent visit to Tameside Hospital.
Cllr Tafheen Sharif and her Consort, Dr Faisal Parvez, spent an afternoon chatting to young patients and their families in the Children’s Unit at the Ashton-based hospital.
The Mayor left an array of gifts to be given to children to put a smile on their faces and make their stay in hospital a little easier.
Some were even lucky enough to get their hands on the Civic Chains of Office, the gold chains worn around the Mayor’s shoulders.
It was an extra special visit for Cllr Sharif, who has four children of her own and has been the Councillor for Mossley in Tameside since 2016.
The Mayor’s Consort, Dr Parvez, also undertook medical training at the hospital and now works as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which is also based on the Tameside Hospital site.
Paula Garlick, Paediatric Matron, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the Civic Mayor to the Hospital. Her visit and offer of gifts made lots of our patients’ days.
“It was amazing to hear her speak so positively to our patients, giving them inspiration to go and achieve their dreams, and maybe even become Mayor one day too.
Cllr Sharif said: “As the Mayor, I realised my small wish, and my Consort and I were able to visit the poorly children at Tameside Hospital.
“It was a pleasure putting a surprise and a smile on the children’s faces. Thank you to Councillors for their kind donations of toys.
“It’s about making a difference in a small way and creating unforgettable memories for others.”