ROYAL Berkshire Hospital welcomed Reverend Tumaini Kallaghe to the team at a special celebration and licensing in the hospital’s chapel.

Members of Tumaini Kallaghe’s church in Reading and previously in London were in attendance and sang traditional Swahili songs and bought the chapel alive with their dancing.

The service began with a solo from her daughter Sarah-Neema who was then followed by members of local Swahili community and Reading’s Lutheran church choir.

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Reverend Tumaini Kallaghe said: “I am very grateful for the welcome I received and licensing service.

"I can’t express enough how myself and my family were touched by the love and support shown to me. "The joyful faces of all staff who attended spoke volumes.

"I’d like to thank the chaplaincy team for their support and encouragement and I look forward to working with all my colleagues across the hospital.”

Healthcare chaplains are appointed by the NHS to provide for the spiritual, pastoral and religious needs of patients, visitors and staff.

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Travelling from the Philippines specially for the occasion and to oversee the official licensing was Rev’d Dr. Msafiri.

Trust chaplains Reverend Bob Simmonds and Richard Bainbridge along with the Muslim Imam Mohammad Qari were also in attendance to welcome Tumaini to the chaplaincy team.

Revd. Dr. Msafiri said: “I’m really pleased to be able come all the way from the Philippines to attend this evening’s celebrations and special licensing of Reverend Tumaini Kallaghe.

"I wish her God’s blessing, and to reaffirm this is a very important role and service, providing hope to sick patients.”

Sharon Herring, Director of Nursing for Networked care, added: “It was an extremely uplifting ceremony and we welcome Tumaini into the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Spiritual Healthcare Team.”