Oldham mayor heartfelt words as thousands attend funeral

Oldham's Mayoress, Afsheen Chauhan, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday (March 27) following a battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her husband, Zahid, the Mayor of Oldham, and their three children.

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Afsheen's funeral was held yesterday (Thursday, March 28) at Werneth House.

Footage shows the funeral was packed with people (Image: Cllr Zahid Chauhan)

In a post online, the Mayor thanked all the people who turned up to show their support.

The Cllr wrote: "Thank you to the thousands of people from Oldham and beyond who joined our Mayoress funeral on such short notice.

"We are touched by your love and grateful for your kindness and sympathy during our time of loss.

"Rest in peace now."

Photographs of the funeral show hundreds of attendees packed into the hall and an array of beautiful flowers for Afsheen.

Representatives from the Northern Care Alliance and Oldham Care Organisation paid their respects while special prayers were said for the mayoress by Oldham community Iftar and Oldham Interfaith, Maulana Akmal and Father Phil.

The mayor said he has been 'touched' by people's kindness during this difficult time (Image: Cllr Zahid Chauhan)

The borough's flag has also been flying at half-mast at Oldham Civic Centre since the news broke until the sunset on the day of her funeral.

Council chief executive Harry Catherall explained Afsheen took ill early on in Cllr Chauhan's time as mayor but that she "bravely continued to support him in his role until the end – a true reflection of her kind and dedicated character".

Mr Catherall added: “We are incredibly sorry to hear the news about the mayoress, Afsheen.

“Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to the mayor and his three children at this very difficult time, and they are all in our thoughts.”

Council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah also said: "I’m really saddened to hear of the passing of my much-loved family friend of many years, Afsheen.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Zahid and their dear children at this difficult time."

To send a formal message of condolence to the mayor and his family, contact the mayor’s office at Mayors.Office@oldham.gov.uk.

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