Former Tameside mayor becomes a hospice patron

Willow Wood have announced that Tafheen Sharif has agreed to become a patron of the Hospice.

Councillor Sharif JP made history when she became the first Muslim and ethnic minority person to serve as the Civic Mayor of Tameside during 2023/24.

During her successful term as Mayor, she helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities, showed energy, dynamism and a fresh approach to inspiring and opening doors for others, and making positive changes to communities.

Cllr Sharif JP has represented the Mossley ward on Tameside Council since 2016 and has been a member of several panels and committees, including Chair of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel. She now serves as the Assistant Cabinet Member for community cohesion.

Tafheen has been a long-time supporter of the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides compassionate care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop.  

The patrons believe in the aims of Willow Wood, help raise valuable funds for our work and generate awareness of our achievements and campaigns.

Tafheen said: “I am truly humbled to be asked to be a patron of Willow Wood Hospice.

“Willow Wood is our special gem in Tameside and it means so much to many of our families across the borough.

“I don’t take any responsibility lightly, and I look forward to raising Willow Wood’s profile and adding further value to this amazing place.”  

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are delighted to welcome Taf as our newest patron and we are looking forward to working with her. 

“Taf’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of local people can make a real difference in our mission, to lead and deliver high quality multi-professional specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.”

Philip Millson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Taf has already been a brilliant supporter of the Hospice and we are thrilled that she has agreed to join us as a patron.

“We know that she will be a fantastic ambassador and help to improve the Hospice’s profile in the local community and beyond.”

Cllr Sharif JP brings a wealth of experience, as she holds a legal honours degree and works in the courts service. She is a Justice of the Peace and has governed across many schools over the years.

From 2011 to 2015, Tafheen was a member of Luton Borough Council, where she served as Cabinet member for Community Safety. She is also the former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, leading on Community Engagement and Partnerships.

She is dedicated to making a difference to communities and has founded a number of successful initiatives. In a relatively short period of time, she was recognised nationally and awarded ‘Young Councillor of the Year’ by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) for her community work at the time.

Tafheen has held a number of directorships and board level positions, including a law centre and a housing association. Since 2015, she has served on the board of Home-Start HOST, presently Vice Chair, a charity which helps families in Tameside and beyond.

Cllr Sharif JP’s interests include spending time with her family, which includes her four children, walking, reading, and listening to motivational podcasts.

Tafheen will be in good company as a patron, joining fellow former Coronation Street stars Julie Goodyear MBE and Julie Hesmondhalgh, as well as comedian Justin Moorhouse, Greater Manchester’s Vice Lord Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE, former Civic Mayor of Tameside Brian Wild and retired businessman Phil Cowper.