Rushcliffe Borough Council’s newly elected mayor, Councillor Mrs Maureen Stockwood, has chosen Nottinghamshire Hospice as her charity of the year.

The Cranmer Ward councillor, appointed for the second time having previously been Mayor in 2005/06, came for a tour of the Day Therapy unit this week to see first hand how Nottinghamshire Hospice helps patients and their carers and families.

She said: “My late husband suffered with heart failure for ten years before he died. I know from personal experience how hard it can be for families. We all come to end of life eventually and for those without family support it can be especially difficult.

“The hospice provides high quality care services to adults who have terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and to their families and carers and makes such a difference to so many people. I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here. The atmosphere is pleasant and upbeat.”

Councillor Stockwood is now working on a programme of charity events throughout her year in office which will bring in crucial funds and raise awareness of the hospice.

Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Hospice Rowena Naylor-Morrell said:  “Having somebody of stature associated with the Hospice will raise our reputation enormously, not only with other civics but with the wider community too.

“We already work across Rushcliffe but there is lots more work to do in the area. The service that people find of most use is our Hospice at Home service and we are hoping some of the funds that are raised by the Mayor will extend this service further across the district as well as increasing our ability to support people.”