Worcester is a city which comes together for those in need.

I had the honour of attending Worcester Woods Countryside Park for a very special Family Fun Day fundraiser in support of Cancer Research UK and Fanconi Hope.

It was a joyful occasion, filled with games, face painting, and laughter, but above all, it was a celebration of community spirit and resilience.

At the heart of this event was Eluned Allen, whose courage and compassion in the face of personal loss inspired us all.

Her brother Stephen’s battle with cancer and Fanconi anaemia brought people together—not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness.

Eluned’s determination to create something hopeful out of heartbreak reminds us of the strength we can find in unity.

Events like this show Worcester at its best: people coming together to support a cause, to share kindness, and to offer hope.

Whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply showing up, every action made a difference.

Thank you, Worcester, for standing together—and for reminding us all of the power of community.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Eluned the event raised £2,215.70 towards these worthy causes. You can still contribute here:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/eluned-allen-5

Each year, the Mayor of Worcester supports a local charity, and I’m proud to be championing Acorns Children’s Hospice during my term.

Based in Worcester, Acorns for the Three Counties provides essential care to around 260 children and families living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

In a warm, home-like environment, children can experience moments of joy through arts, crafts, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic play — bringing comfort and normality to their lives.

But Acorns does more than care for children; it supports whole families with bereavement counselling, advocacy, and dedicated groups for parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Their extraordinary work is mostly funded by donations and community fundraising — a true reflection of our region’s compassion.

Through my mayoral year, I aim to raise not just money but also awareness, helping ensure Acorns can continue to be there for families when they need it most.

Together, we can show that no family should face such a journey alone.