Just weeks into his tenure as Mayor of Rochdale, Faisal has announced the five charities he will champion during his year in office. Serving alongside his wife, Mayoress Iram Faisal, he has already visited numerous organisations, charities, schools, businesses, and events across Heywood, Middleton, Pennines, and Rochdale. The mayor expressed pride in representing the community and highlighted his journey from Lahore, where he served as a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Navy after secondary education. His military background, he said, underpins his strong work ethic and commitment to improved services and resident wellbeing.
Five Charities Close to His Heart
Mayor Faisal selected five causes deeply personal to him: Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association (RWWA), SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), Springhill Hospice, The Christie, and the Rochdale Veterans Breakfast Club. Each charity holds a special significance based on his family's experiences and his own background.
Springhill Hospice: Supporting Life-Limiting Conditions
Springhill Hospice provides specialist care for patients and families across Rochdale affected by conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, and heart failure. The mayor shared a personal connection: his brother’s cancer diagnosis highlighted the hospice’s vital role in supporting quality of life. He praised the dedicated team, stating, “We are blessed to have Springhill in our borough and long may they continue to make every moment count.”
The Christie: World-Class Cancer Care
The Christie, Europe’s largest single-site cancer facility and the UK’s first accredited comprehensive cancer centre, is another charity close to the mayor’s heart. His brother received treatment there, including blood tests, operations, and chemotherapy. “The support they provided my brother was truly inspiring,” he said, adding that the organisation’s high-quality treatment and personal touch are “truly world class.”
SANDS: Supporting Families Through Baby Loss
The mayor’s daughter experienced a stillbirth, deepening his emotional connection to SANDS, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. He noted that 13 babies die shortly before, during, or soon after birth in the UK each day, and at least one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage. For over 40 years, SANDS has provided a caring community for those affected. “I will be doing my utmost to support their wonderful work,” he affirmed.
Rochdale Veterans Breakfast Club: Honouring Service
With 15 years in the Armed Forces, the mayor chose the Rochdale Veterans’ Breakfast Club to support veterans’ wellbeing and reduce social isolation. The club meets weekly at the Flying Horse Hotel, serving thousands of breakfasts annually and supporting over 50 veterans each week. “We never forget the service and sacrifice of those who help to keep us safe,” he said, noting the council’s commitment to veterans.
Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association: Empowering Women
RWWA is a women-led organisation empowering black and minoritised women to reach their potential, tackling inequalities and working to eliminate violence against women and girls. It provides holistic support in a culturally safe environment. The mayor described the organisation as “inspirational” and said, “Every person has the right to be safe, empowered, and free from violence.”
Call for Community Support
Throughout his mayoral year, the mayor and mayoress hope to raise funds for these charities. “Working together, we can all play our part in supporting what they do to improve people’s lives,” he said. Donations can be sent to the Mayor’s Office, Rochdale Borough Council, Floor 2, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU. Organisations seeking a visit can call 01706 924834. More information is available at rochdale.gov.uk/mayor.
