A well-loved paediatrician has retired after 20 years of serving families in Newham.

Newham Recorder: Dr Tan with 16-year-old Murad Sheikh.Dr Tan with 16-year-old Murad Sheikh. (Image: Archant)

A surprise party was held for Dr Meug Tan, 58, on Wednesday, at Stratford’s West Ham Lane Centre to say farewell.

Originally from Malaysia but now living in Dalston, he worked in Glasgow and Hackney before arriving in the borough and becoming a firm favourite with patients.

“I was really struck by just how friendly Newham was when I arrived in 1995,” he told the Recorder.

“The borough’s changed a lot in that time though. It’s become a more affluent borough, although there are still problems.

“I’ve really enjoy working with the families and children, so I’ll really the families, as well as my colleagues.”

After a long career of caring for others, Dr Tan is now looking forward to putting himself first for a change.

“I haven’t got anything major planned, just looking forward to a bit of time off.

“I’d quite like to do some travelling and see the world, do my garden, and learn some Spanish and Italian.

“I’m actually really looking forward to seeing what my area is like during the day as well, because I never get to see it then.”

Murad Sheikh, 16, a prefect and youth councillor at Langdon, has been a patient of Dr Tan’s since he was six months old.

“I have great memories of Dr Tan, he’s looked after me since I was a baby,” he said.

“He is a kind, fun loving and energetic person and I will really miss him.

“I really want to thank him from all the children and families that he has looked after over the years. He will always be remembered.”