Three Wolverhampton charities have received a share of more than £20,000 which was raised by a former Mayor.

Dr Michael Hardacre was Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton during 2023-2024 and raised £20,705 during his time in office via a combination of donations and fundraising activities.

These included two Bake Offs, a Christmas jumper day, a quiz and various raffles and tombola’s.

The annual Mayor’s Fest rock music weekend, which is run by a group of volunteers every year to raise funds for the Mayor’s Charitable Fund, contributed £6,500.

Dr Hardacre, who was a councillor up until the local elections last May, also donated money from his allocated ward funds to the total.

The three charities to benefit from a share of the money are Wings and Paws, The Haven and Give Us a Break Wolverhampton. They have each received a cheque for £6,901.

Wings & Paws is a small non-profit voluntary animal rescue which aims to ensure any neglected, stray, feral or unloved animal will get the best chance at finding a forever home and a better life.

The Haven supports women and children who are vulnerable to domestic violence, abuse, and homelessness by providing safe, emergency accommodation and community-based support services. 

Give Us a Break Wolverhampton provides accessible activities for young people with complex disabilities and their families.

Dr Hardacre said: “To have raised more than £20,000 during my year as Mayor is a tremendous achievement and I wish to pass on my thanks to everyone who donated, attended one of our events or who helped to organise them. Being able to present a cheque to my three chosen charities for more than £6,000 each felt fantastic as I know it is money that will make a big difference to them.

“As with all charities, they rely on donations to keep going. I hope that people are able to continue supporting them.”

Each year, every Mayor raises money for chosen good causes. The current Mayor, Cllr Linda Leach, is raising funds throughout 2024-2025 for Beacon Centre for the Blind, Samaritans Wolverhampton and Age UK Wolverhampton.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation or carry out a fundraising event for the Mayor of Wolverhampton’s Charitable Fund is asked to email mayoral@wolverhampton.gov.uk