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Mayor of North Down Launches Charity Appeal

03 November 2010

Mayor of North Down, Councillor John Montgomery, has launched ‘The Mayor’s Charities’ an initiative to raise much-needed funds and promote the work of Help for Heroes and the Ulster Cancer Foundation.   

Speaking at the launch the Mayor commented: “I am delighted to launch The Mayor’s Charities for 2010/11 and am very excited about the months ahead when we will be seeking to raise as much money and profile as possible for my two chosen charities.  Selecting them has been a most difficult decision as there are so many very worthy charitable organisations to choose from.  My choices of Help for Heroes and the Ulster Cancer Foundation are, perhaps, complimentary, in that whether fighting as heroes against cancer or against an enemy in a far off land the courage needed is the same."

The Mayor explained why he had made his choices.  He said: “The Ulster Cancer Foundation is Northern Ireland’s first and leading cancer charity dedicated to helping patients and their families cope with a diagnosis of cancer.  UCF works tirelessly to reduce the impact of cancer and has helped to fund world class research into new and better treatments.  In Northern Ireland, one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime and many of these will look to UCF to make that time of extreme stress a little more bearable.  I am delighted to be able to support this critical work through my charity appeal.”      

Maeve Fox, Community Fundraising Manager from the Ulster Cancer Foundation, commented: “We are delighted that the Mayor of North Down has chosen to support UCF and are looking forward to participating in some fantastic fundraising events.  This is our 40th anniversary year, which makes it an even more special time to be associated with The Mayor’s Charities.”  

Speaking about Help for Heros the Mayor said: “Help for Heroes has enjoyed significant support and profile since it was founded in October 2007 and has raised a staggering £1 million a month since that date.  This money is used to support wounded spersonnel of every colour and creed and there is much need for it.  I am pleased and proud to be working with Help for Heroes during this year and hope we can add significantly to their annual fundraising total.”   

Thanking the Mayor for his support Neal Somerville from Help for Heroes said: “All those who support Help for Heroes are passionate about what they do.  The work is needed, it is appreciated and we are making a real difference to the lives of some extraordinary young men and women.  We are honoured to be chosen as one of the Mayor of North Down's charities for the year and would like to thank the Mayor and Council for wanting to 'do their bit' for our wounded heroes.” 

Councillor Montgomery is asking North Down residents and businesses to support ‘The Mayor’s Charities’ in whatever way they can…perhaps by making a donation, providing a gift that could be raffled to raise funds, raising sponsorship through sporting activities or attending one of the events scheduled during the year.  There are many ways to help.

For more information on the Mayor’s Charities and upcoming events please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on (028) 9127 8067  or heather.loebnau@northdown.gov.uk More information is also available on The Mayor’s Charities website at www.mayorscharities.co.uk/

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