Laura King, Student Operating Department Practitioner at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, has been selected by the Mayor of Preston to act as his Mayoress for a one year duration.
Laura, 34 from Preston, became friends with the Mayor and his family when she cared for the Mayor’s wife, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour. This led to her being invited into the role.
Laura is currently undertaking her first year as a Student Operating Department Practitioner, which centres around working in theatres to administer anaesthetics, scrub and aid with a patient’s recovery.
Laura will be taking some time out of her clinical placements and her studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in order to fulfil these civic duties.
As part of her new role, Laura will focus on representing the city, and raising money for local charities; including Headway Preston and Chorley; which is close to the family’s hearts.
Laura said: “I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity to represent Preston. I have grown up in the city, and am currently studying at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), which allows me to study clinical placements at Royal Preston Hospital. I am really enjoying the opportunities that this has provided me with and am now really looking forward to embracing this role, and representing my city.”
Laura will commence her role as Mayoress of Preston on Wednesday May 16th for a one year period. She is now one of the youngest individuals to have this role; and one of the only students to enter into this role.