Councillor Steve Watkins has raised £15,884.49 during his year as Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, with the money split between three local charities. Help for Heroes, Saltbox and the National Literacy Trust Stoke-on-Trent will all receive donations from the fundraising effort.
The funds were gathered through a busy schedule of events across Stoke. A glamorous 1920s-themed afternoon tea and a children's book written by former Lady Mayoress Councillor Lynn Watkins both contributed to the total. The book, which follows the Lord Mayor's year from a cat's perspective, proved popular with families throughout the city.
Each charity will use the money for different purposes in Stoke. Help for Heroes will support struggling veterans through psychological wellbeing services and financial relief grants. Saltbox plans to fund its Carelink telephone befriending service for lonely older people, while the National Literacy Trust will run family storytelling festivals across Stoke this summer.
Councillor Watkins said serving as Lord Mayor had been "a real honour" and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the three charities. All three organisations praised the dedication shown by Councillor Watkins and Councillor Lynn Watkins to their causes during the fundraising year.