The son of a former mayor of Merton has established a children’s charity in honour of his late mother.

Maxi Martin - who represented St Helier Ward for 18 years and was a cabinet member for children’s services at Merton Council – passed away on April 6, 2016.

Paul Martin, 57, explained to Wimbledon Guardian why he established the ‘Maxi Martin Foundation’.

He said: “I came up with the idea almost immediately after my mum passed but obviously I didn’t feel up to it whilst I was grieving.

“The real reason was because it was such a shock. She was 74 but it was still unexpected. She was still working as a councillor and a cabinet member for children’s services. She was highly respected and she loved children.

“We wanted to continue the things that she felt so passionate about which was children and young people in Merton.”

Promoting children’s care, safety, upbringing, health and advancing their education are all aims listed by the foundation.

Mr Martin said his mother’s efforts for supporting children was something he recognised from an early age.

He said: “She was always talking about the children and her projects. She was immersed in what she was doing in Merton and it was always a topic of conversation when she came to see me. She was deeply committed to children.”

Students from Morden’s Bishopford School made a cardboard tree where leaves contained “gorgeous and touching” messages for Maxi which was in her room when she died.

This inspired the charity’s tree logo.

The Maxi Martin Foundation plans on fundraising and hosting stalls at annual fairs.

Mr Martin expanded: “Getting money will always be our intention. We could give grants to charities within Merton or give our own grants to individuals.

“If it’s a massive success we hope to hand out money all the time. If it’s slower then maybe we will give a grant once a year.”

After Councllor Martin died, leader of Merton Council Councillor, Stephen Alambritis, said: "Maxi was a wonderful councillor and was deeply committed to representing residents in St Helier.

"She was also devoted to the interests of young people and worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard.

"The armed forces also valued the work she did in organising the yearly Armed Forces Day Parade in Merton."

You can donate to the Maxi Martin foundation through their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/maximartinfoundation