THE Mayor of Barnsley has raised more than £20,000 for his two chosen charities over the last 12 months.
Coun Mick Stowe raised £10,346.16 for each the Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association (BBPSA) and Barnsley Hospice.
Representatives from the two charities were invited to the mayor’s parlour last week to be presented with their cheques.
Throughout the year, the mayor has hosted a 23-mile charity walk, a charity ball and golf day.
He said: “As my term as mayor comes to a close, I am absolutely over the moon to be able to hand over a cheque for over £10,000 to each of my chosen charities.
“I never in my wildest dreams expected to raise so much.
“I am honoured to have had the opportunity to raise money for these charities which has been such a joint effort between colleagues, partners, and residents.
“There are so many people to thank, I couldn’t possibly name them all.
“But to every single person who has, in some way, contributed towards my fundraising efforts, whether that be buying a raffle ticket, supporting the charity walk or simply donating, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“At the start of my mayoral year, I said I hoped I could do my charities proud and together we’ve done just that.
“As well as raising much needed funds, my fundraising events have been a pleasure to organise and host.
“They’ve brought people together, broken down barriers and urged people to step out their comfort zone - whether that be walking 26 miles or taking to the microphone for karaoke.
“A final word from me - to the people of Barnsley, I thank you for digging deep and supporting these amazing charities and all the invaluable work they do.”
The chair of BBPSA, Rebecca Green, added: “The BBPSA would like to express sincere thanks.
“It was a privilege and an honour to be selected as a charity of the year.
“And we would also like to congratulate the mayor and his team on their stellar fundraising efforts, they are all amazing.”
Deputy mayor Coun John Clarke will be made the official Mayor of Barnsley this week, and his chosen charities will be announced in due course.
