Outgoing Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool presents cheques to his chosen charities

The funds raised by the Mayor’s Charity Appeal were split between Hartlepool Foodbank and Hartlepool Sea Cadets, with each receiving £6,542 - an equal share of the overall total raised.

Councillor Moore said: “I was delighted to select these two charities close to my heart to fundraise for during my role as Ceremonial Mayor for the 2023-24 Municipal Year. As a former sea cadet myself, I know first-hand the experiences that the charity provides to our young people here in Hartlepool.

“Hartlepool Foodbank is - unfortunately - a much-used charity within our town, supporting some of our most vulnerable residents, and I am passionate about supporting it to continue to provide to this vital service.

‘‘I am grateful to everyone who donated to the appeal and I know how much these vital funds will mean to the two charities, helping them to continue to make a big difference right here in Hartlepool.’’

Each year, the sitting Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool raises thousands of pounds for local charitable causes through collections and organised events. The Mayor’s Charity Appeal beneficiaries change every year, as every new Mayor chooses causes to support which are close or important to them.

Councillor Shane Moore (left) with Susan Atkinson and Alan MacDonald from Hartlepool Foodbank

Susan Atkinson, Trustee of Hartlepool Foodbank, said: ‘‘We are so very grateful to Councillor Moore for selecting the foodbank as one of his chosen charities. The foodbank is under great pressure with the number of people using the foodbank growing.

“The money raised will be used to support local people here in Hartlepool and help us to continue to not only provide food parcels but also advice on welfare, people’s rights and housing.’’

Councillor Shane Moore (right) with Petty Officer Jane Fox and Able Cadet Olivia Fox from Hartlepool Sea Cadets

Petty Officer Jane Fox, of Hartlepool Sea Cadets, said: “It has meant a great deal to our charity to be presented this cheque by Councillor Moore and it has been an honour to join him at many events during his year as Ceremonial Mayor.

“We will be using the funds raised to support the work we carry out with our sea cadets in Hartlepool. It will allow us to spend more time on the water and deliver more courses, training and opportunities for our young people.’’

The two charities were each presented with a cheque by the outgoing Ceremonial Mayor at the recent Mayoral Investiture Ceremony which saw Councillor Carole Thompson formally invested as the new Ceremonial Mayor for the 2024-25 Municipal Year.