Hartlepool's mayor raises £12,000 for two town charities

Councillor Mary Fleet chose Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group and Diabetes UK as the beneficiaries during her year in office.

The two charities were the focus of several charitable events during the last 12 months including tombolas, raffles, coffee mornings, quiz nights, car boot sales and a civic dinner, and have received just over £6,000 each as a result.

The two charities were presented with their cheques by the Mayor at a special event in the civic centre, which were also attended by mayoress Coun Sheila Griffin.

Coun Fleet said: “Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group and Diabetes UK are two charities very close to my heart and I am so pleased at the amount that has been raised.

“I would like to thank everybody who has contributed to raising money and I know that the money will be put to good use.”

Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group was set up in 1989 and is dedicated to providing support and education to young people with physical and/or learning difficulties.

Pat Allison, of Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group, said: “This is a tremendous boost for our organisation and I would like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity.

“The money will be used to provide social opportunities for children and young adults who we support in the town.”

Louise Simonian, regional fundraiser at Diabetes UK, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Mayor and to everyone involved in this amazing fundraising effort.

“The money donated will go a long way to helping us support the estimated 5,760 people in Hartlepool who have diabetes.”

Both Coun Mary Fleet and Coun Sheila Griffin have retired as councillors after serving Hartlepool Borough Council for more than 20 years, but will continue as Mayor and Mayoress until the Annual Council Meeting on May 26.