Generous dentists to the rescue after foodbank funds stolen

Dr Khalid Mushtaq & Dr Nazia Uddin from Littleborough Dental Practice

Generous dentists at a dental practice in Greater Manchester have saved the day after emergency funding for a food bank run by the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was stolen.

The sum of £250 was taken from a cash box in the presbytery at Our Lady's and St Joseph's in Heywood, Greater Manchester. The team of SVP volunteers and members which runs the Heywood Foodbank provide emergency funds for struggling families in the region. The cash was intended to provide essentials such as gas or electric vouchers, and food parcels.

Following the theft, an SVP spokesperson for the Heywood Foodbank said: "While running the food bank at this time is difficult, there are many problems out there that families need help with. The loss of £250 is extremely upsetting."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police in Heywood added: "This money provided those in need with the opportunity to gain assistance in paying their utility bills... It also provided help to those with no means of transport to and from hospital. This fund was beneficial in supporting those who need it the most."

However, after reading about the theft on Rochdale Online, kind-hearted dentists Dr Khalid Mushtaq and colleague Dr Nazia Uddin from the Littleborough Dental Practice donated £250 to replace the missing money on Christmas Eve.

Dr Mushtaq said: "I was born and grew up in Rochdale. I love everything about Rochdale. We have had a lot of bad press over the years nationally, which is unfortunate as Rochdale has great positives which then get forgotten. There's a lot of inequality in and around Rochdale.

"Reading about money being stolen from a local charity hurt me tremendously, especially at this festive time when everyone should be doing a little more to help the unfortunate. I spoke to my friend and colleague Dr Nazia Uddin, suggesting making good the loss. Without hesitation, she agreed."

SVP member and Heywood Foodbank volunteer Liam Killough said: "This gesture is wonderful. I can't thank the Littleborough Dental Practice enough. This was a real Christmas miracle, and means so much to so many people in the Rochdale region."

SVP President Helen O'Shea commented: "This heart-warming story demonstrates how community works. Out of a dark situation, there is always light. I would like to add my thanks to Dr Khalid Mushtaq, Dr Nazia Uddin and the staff at Littleborough Dental Practice, who clearly love their community."

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For more information or to donate to the SVP's Rise to the Challenge campaign, go to https//www.svp.org.uk/rise, @SVPEnglandWales (#SVPRiseChallenge) or telephone 020 7703 3030.