Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor raises over £15,000 for local charities

Amelia Patel Author 2026-06-09 10:15 2 min read

People in formal attire standing outside near a hearse in the United Kingdom.

Contents

Beneficiaries of the mayoral fundraising
Community-led fundraising activities

Former Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins, has concluded his year in office by securing £15,884.49 for three community-focused organisations. The funds were raised through a series of public events and initiatives held throughout his 12-month tenure.

Beneficiaries of the mayoral fundraising

The total sum has been distributed among three charities, each selected for their specific impact on the city’s residents:

Help for Heroes: The donation will support veterans with psychological wellbeing services or provide financial relief for essential household costs.
Saltbox: This funding will contribute to the ongoing operation of the Carelink service, which provides a telephone befriending network and ‘Chatty Cafes’ for older people facing isolation.
National Literacy Trust Stoke-on-Trent: The money is earmarked for the upcoming ‘Tales in the Park’ family storytelling festivals, aimed at encouraging reading during the school holidays.

Community-led fundraising activities

To reach the fundraising target, the Lord Mayor and his wife, Councillor Lynn Watkins, hosted several events. A 1920s-themed afternoon tea served as a focal point for community engagement. Additionally, Councillor Lynn Watkins authored a children’s book detailing the Lord Mayor’s year in office from a feline perspective, which became a popular item for families across the city.

Reflecting on the year, Councillor Steve Watkins noted the importance of the public response: “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended events, bought the book or made a donation. Your generosity has made a genuine difference and will help these organisations continue their vital work.”

Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council