As Dukinfield Medical Practice marked the retirement of Doctor Tim Dowling on Saturday February 24th a surprise was waiting.
One of his patients, Stephen Gooderson, decided to truly make it a day to remember by calling in Hyde Fundraisers to bring along one of their Daleks!
Doctor Who’s arch enemy found itself facing a ‘real’ Doctor at the Concord Way Surgery but there was no animosity on this occasion.
Arranging the Dalek invader Steve said “Dr Dowling has treated me over 20 years and he’s been a fantastic Doctor and friend.
I just wanted him to finish on a high and with a but of fun. He was absolutely gobsmacked and ‘who’ else could have seen him off.”
Hyde Fundraisers were delighted to get involved and one of the team said “It’s not the usual type of thing we do but we apart from the kind donation from Mr. Gooderson it was certainly a unique retirement surprise.”
What did Dr Dowling, who had been at the surgery since 1998, make of it all?
“Steve is a really amazing man and this has been fantastic. I’d just also like to express my gratitude to my patients and colleagues for everything I’ve learned and experienced, it’s been a wonderful ride.”
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