Funds raised from last year’s mayoral charity appeal have been presented to two Sutton charities.

Alzheimer’s Society and Sutton Shopmobility were each given a £13,000 cheque by the former Mayor of Sutton, Cllr Richard Clifton, at the Civic Offices last Friday.

Cllr Clifton said: “It is thanks to the extraordinary generosity, both in time and donations, that so much was raised during my mayoral year.

“It was a great year and I am delighted to donate such significant sums to both these charities which will make a huge difference to the lives of people in our community.”

Amanda Beck, manager of Sutton Shopmobility, commented: “It will help cover the servicing of equipment, volunteers’ costs and all of our insurance which is a substantial amount. Last year we helped over 700 people, not just in Sutton but people who are visiting and of all different backgrounds – children who need to use a wheelchair, and our oldest client was 102.

“Sometimes it is someone with real mobility issues, but less obviously, people also use the service who have ME, for example, people recovering from a stroke, and heavily pregnant ladies in the final stages of pregnancy.”

Over 2,000 people are currently living with dementia in Sutton, according to the Alzheimer’s Society charity.

Matthew Wollner, Fundraising Support Officer for the charity, said:

“We can’t thank Cllr Clifton enough for the incredible fundraising efforts he instigated during his year in office.

“Not only has he raised funds for the charity, but he’s helped us raise awareness of dementia and the local services on offer.

“Thanks to his hard work, people living with dementia, their carers, family members and all those affected by the disease are becoming aware of the services we offer in Sutton, and feel confident to seek out and enjoy them.”