ALICE IRVING

COUN Chris Gordon retires from his year of office as Mayor of Stockport with a parting gift for two charities close to his heart.

St Ann’s Hospice and the Samaritans will share almost £17,000 raised from his fundraising events over the last 12 months.

His late mum Betty was a patient at the Heald Green hospice in 1996, while Coun Gordon was a telephone volunteer for the Samaritans for 21 years.

Coun Gordon said: “In some ways the two charities complement each other because they’re both concerned with the health and well-being of the local population.

“St Ann’s has always been one of the charities I’ve supported and I swore that I’d help them during my year in office after the care and compassion shown to our family during my mum’s illness.

“I’ve had a magnificent year as Mayor, even though it’s been hard work.

“People think it’s just about attending dinners but there’s a lot involved, including meeting some amazing volunteers who give both time and money. The incredible dedication of Stockport people is one of the things I’ll take away from my year.”

Coun Gordon is originally from Cheadle and now lives in Bredbury, where he has been a councillor for 18 years.

He took up civic duties after retiring from his job as Head of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary and has been involved in the voluntary sector for 54 years.

Coun Gordon met talented local artist Akther Bano at a painting competition last June and introduced her to St Ann’s where her art work is now on display and enjoyed by patients.