Mayor of Hartlepool announces charities to benefit from his year in office

Coun Rob Cook said that the two charities – Bloodwise and Great North Air Ambulance – are both close to his heart, and has urged others to help him raise as much money as possible over the next 12 months.

He said: “Bloodwise is a well-known charity which has helped enormously over the years to beat many forms of blood cancer, while the Great North Air Ambulance does fantastic work in our area coming to people’s rescue at a time of great need.

“I will be organising a range of charity fundraising events during the course of the year, and if any local organisations or individuals want to help raise money it would be great to hear from them.”

For the 2016-17 municipal year, Coun Cook will be accompanied by his wife Brenda, the Mayoress of Hartlepool.

Hartlepool’s new Mayor is a long-standing councillor who represents the De Bruce Ward.

He is former chair of the council’s planning committee, a governor of two schools and a member of Hartlepool Male Voice Choir.

On becoming Mayor, he said: “To become the Mayor of Hartlepool is something I never dreamed would ever happen to me. I thought it was something that only happened to others!

“From day one I will have an open door policy. Young people are our future and I will continue to support schools in every way I can.

“I want to help promote civic life and I offer an open invitation to all schools, and I will visit each and every one of them if they so wish.

“I am really looking forward to the next year, and I will continue to work with all councillors to achieve the very best for our town.”

Anyone interested in helping the Mayor to raise money should contact the Mayor’s Office on 01429 523704 or email [email protected]