Former Mayor’s year of dedication raises more than £30,000 for Dandelion End of Life Appeal

Former Mayor of Southend, Councillor Nigel Folkard, and his dedicated mayoral fundraising committee have presented a remarkable donation of £30,181.49 to Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity’s Dandelion End of Life Appeal, following an impressive year of fundraising activity in support of local causes.

The donation forms part of a grand total of over £60,000 raised during Nigel’s mayoral year, with funds shared between the Dandelion Appeal and another local charity. His substantial contribution has directly supported the Dandelion Appeal’s work at Southend Hospital, helping to create more comfortable, compassionate and dignified rooms for patients and their loved ones receiving end of life care.

Over the course of the year, Nigel and his committee organised an impressive programme of events, including a fashion show, golf day, triathlon, charity meals and galas, afternoon teas, football matches, and one very entertaining variety show. Demonstrating his personal commitment, Nigel even took part in the swimming leg of a triathlon and performed in his own tap dance show as part of the charity variety event.

Councillor Nigel Folkard said: “This has been a tremendous team effort, and I cannot thank my fundraising committee and everyone who supported us enough. The generosity of people across our community has been quite remarkable. I am delighted that together we have been able to raise more than £30,000 for the Dandelion Appeal and help make a real difference to local patients and their families.”

Last week, Nigel visited Southend Hospital to present the donation and see first-hand one of the four end of life rooms his fundraising has funded through the Dandelion Appeal. The scale of his support has gone far beyond these rooms alone, also providing ten overnight beds, recliner chairs and a dedicated relatives’ room, helping to create a more comforting environment for patients and families. Through the Dandelion Appeal, similar enhancements are being made across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals, ensuring more people receive compassionate end of life care in welcoming surroundings.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charity and Voluntary Services at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nigel and his committee for their outstanding support of the Dandelion Appeal. Raising more than £30,000 is a truly remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, energy and commitment they have shown throughout the year.

“Nigel has been a valued supporter of our charity for many years, not only through fundraising but also by generously giving his time at countless events. This donation will make a meaningful difference to patients and families receiving end of life care at Southend Hospital, helping us provide comfort, dignity and support when it matters most.”

To find out more about The Dandelion End of Life Appeal, click here.