Mum’s thanks to ‘life-saving’ mental health unit
Pictured: From left, John Walker, Associate Director of Operations GMMH; Claire Fraser, Trafford Head of Operations GMMH; Heather Elliot, Hayley’s aunty; Hayley Price; Councillor Walsh, Mayor of Trafford; and Helen Hughes, Matron.
A mum-of-three delivered presents to a mental health unit after the staff helped turn her life around.
Stretford resident Hayley Price called into Trafford General Hospital’s Medlock ward at the Moorside unit, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).
Hayley wanted to personally thank Moorside staff by delivering gifts to them.
She said, “If I can make one person smile, it will have been worth it. The staff at Moorside helped me so much and I just wanted to give something back to them, and the patients too.”
Hayley raised money for the gifts by doing 50 sit ups a day for a month just before Christmas. This was despite living with fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
Hayley said, “I want to highlight the little known condition of Fibromyalgia, but more importantly thank all the staff at the Moorside Unit for their hard work and for helping me when I needed it most.
Hayley said: “I was a former patient on Medlock ward many years ago and they helped me through a really difficult time – they saved my life. My family and I are really grateful for this.”
Hayley brought four big bags full of gifts for staff and service users, which included pamper sets, biscuits, chocolates and arts and crafts sets. Some of the gifts had kindly been donated by Tesco, Stretford branch, when Hayley got in touch with them to tell her story.
The Mayor of Trafford Councillor Laurence Walsh was on hand to help deliver the gifts along with Hayley’s Aunty Heather Elliot.
The Mayor said “Everyone is aware of the mental health issues many people have suffered from during the pandemic”.
“I am aware that the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is investing £1million in the environment which will improve all the bedroom areas at the Moorside Unit. These mental health services at Trafford General are more important than ever.”
Claire Fraser, Head of Operations at GMMH said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received such generous donations from Hayley, which both our staff and service users will benefit from.
“We know that the pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of our communities, and it is so important now more than ever to raise awareness of the support available for those who are struggling. We thank the Mayor of Trafford Councillor Laurence Walsh for his commitment to this.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please do not delay – speak to your GP as soon as you can. Or, you can call our mental health helpline, which is available all day, every day, free of charge on 0800 953 0285.”
