An a-Mayor-zing £30,000 raised for end-of-life care
Former Mayor of Southend Councillor Nigel Folkard has raised more than £30,000 to help improve care for local patients at the end of their lives.
The £30,181.49 donation will support the Dandelion Appeal, run by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.
The appeal helps create more comfortable and dignified surroundings for patients at the end of their life, and their loved ones. Nigel’s donation will benefit those at Southend Hospital.
Fundraising throughout the year by Nigel and his fundraising committee included a fashion show, golf day, triathlon, charity dinners, afternoon teas, football matches and a variety show.
The former Southend Mayor completed the swimming leg of a triathlon and performed a tap dance routine at the variety show.
Nigel said:
"This has been a tremendous team effort and I cannot thank my fundraising committee and everyone who supported us enough. The generosity of people across our community has been remarkable.
"I am delighted that together we have been able to raise more than £30,000 for the Dandelion Appeal and help make a real difference to local patients and their families."
Nigel recently visited Southend Hospital to present the donation cheque and see one of the four end-of-life rooms funded through the appeal.
His generous support has also helped provide ten overnight beds, recliner chairs and a dedicated relatives' room. These help families stay close to their loved ones and create a more comforting environment for patients.
Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charity and Voluntary Services at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to Nigel and his committee for their outstanding support of the Dandelion Appeal. Raising more than £30,000 is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, energy and commitment they have shown throughout the year.
"Nigel has been a valued supporter of our charity for many years, not only through fundraising but also by generously giving his time at countless events. This donation will make a meaningful difference to patients and families receiving end-of-life care at Southend Hospital, helping us provide comfort, dignity and support when it matters most."
The Dandelion Appeal is funding improvements across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals.
To find out more about it, please visit Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity's Dandelion Appeal.
ENDS
Image: Southend Council Treasurer Ray Childs, Debbie Boulden, Nigel and wife Marion Folkard, Elise Fleetwood and Emma Lowe