WHEN given the opportunity to dress up as a hero, one might expect children to find inspiration from the plethora of comic book and movie characters available to them.
But for 10-year-old Poppy Sayle, there was one choice closer to home - mum Sharon Taylor, who works as an NHS receptionist at the Victoria Infirmary Northwich.
Poppy made the announcement when the family were discussing ideas for Charles Darwin Community Primary School's 'Dress as Your Hero' fundraiser.
Sharon said: "My heart just melted and I wanted to cry.
"There was information in the school newsletter and it said they had to dress as a hero for the day.
"You expect children to want to get dressed as a princess or someone they’ve seen on TV, so when Poppy said she wanted to go as me it was so lovely.
"I thought ‘I must be doing something right here’, for her to say that."
While many of the children dressed in capes, masks and costumes, Poppy donned one of Sharon's old work blouses.
Sharon, aged 46, found an empty lanyard and fashioned a pretend ID card with Poppy's name to complete the ensemble.
Poppy, who has three sisters and a brother, said: “I just want to help people like mummy does.”
When her daughter arrived at school, the staff were very impressed.
Sharon added: “They all just thought she looked so good.
“Poppy enjoyed it so much she didn’t want to take the outfit off when she got home until it was bedtime. She even sat there wearing it while she was eating her dinner.”
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust this week celebrated Poppy’s choice of hero as part of National Administrative Professionals Day, which is staged each year to thank office staff who keep everything running smoothly.
With the celebration taking place today (Wednesday, April 24), Administrative Professionals Day stands have been placed at the Crossroads at Leighton Hospital, and at Infinity House, to mark the occasion and provide information about roles at the trust.
Sharon joined the trust in May 2022 as a receptionist and clerical worker after always harbouring an ambition to find a role in the NHS.
After previously working in the motor industry, Sharon is now employed as a receptionist and clerical worker in the main entrance of the Winnington Street hospital.
She said: “No two days are the same and I absolutely love it. I love the community side of it as well, with the people who come in for their regular appointments.
"I really enjoy getting to know them and chatting to them.”
Sharon believes it is important organisations continue to celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day.
She added: “The NHS is a big team effort and receptionists and clerical workers are an important cog that’s part of that.”
Nicola Price, chief people officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “Across our trust we have around 1,300 admin and clerical staff who are such a vital part of everything we do.
"These colleagues are often the first point of contact for many people and can be involved throughout a patient’s care.
"They provide a fantastic foundation for us to offer the best services, which are centred on patients’ needs."
For more information about roles at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, visit mcht.nhs.uk/work-us/current-vacancies
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