The newly appointed Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Dr Matt Lamb, will be raising money for Acorns Children’s Hospice during his year in office.
Cllr Dr Lamb, who represents the Dines Green and Grove Farm ward, was elected by fellow Worcester City Councillors last week, with Cllr Tor Pingree serving as Deputy Mayor.
Talking about his chosen charity, Cllr Dr Lamb said: “A parent never imagines that they will hear the words that their child has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.
“But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns steps forward, helping families cope at every stage of their child’s life and beyond, wherever and whenever they need it.
“Acorns for the Three Counties, based here in Worcester, provides vital care, love and laughter to around 260 children and families every year.
“The hospice provides a home-like environment where children can enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic play.
“These are experiences that bring precious joy and normality to their lives.
“Beyond their expert clinical care, Acorns supports the whole family through bereavement counselling, advocacy, and dedicated groups for mums, dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters.
“This remarkable work is funded largely through charitable donations and community fundraising.
“Throughout my mayoral year, I hope to raise not only vital funds but also greater awareness of the invaluable support that Acorns provides, helping to ensure that no family faces their journey alone.”
Cllr Dr Lamb said that his theme for his year in office is ‘learning’ – following his career in teaching.
He added: “Learning is the foundation of our growth, as individuals, as a community, and as a society.
“Throughout this year, I hope we can celebrate and encourage learning in all its forms. Worcester is and must continue to be a city of opportunity for all.”
A very busy year of engagements awaits the new Mayor of Worcester, and he is committed to attending as many as possible with his partner, Cllr Dr Zoe Cookson, as his Mayoress. He has also appointed a Consort who is Cllr Pat Agar.
Cllr Dr Lamb was born in Birmingham and spent most of his childhood in the South-East, where he lived on Canvey Island in Essex.
He moved to Worcester in 2001 and proudly calls the city his home.
In 1997, Cllr Dr Lamb started his career in education as a part-time lecturer in A-level Politics at Worcester College of Technology and went on to become a Head of Department and then Head of Faculty, while still carrying out teaching roles.
In 2011, he went to West Bromwich to set up a brand-new sixth form college in one of the most deprived areas of Britain. Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, where he is Principal, now has more than 900 students.
Cllr Dr Lamb was elected to Worcester City Council in 2010, and he has been a councillor for 15 years.
