The Mayor's charities

Nigel's chosen charity for his Mayoral year is the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

British Heart Foundation

Most of us have known someone who has suffered a heart attack or indeed lost a friend or loved one through heart disease. For over 50 years the BHF has pioneered research which has transformed the lives of millions of people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Before the 1970s, heart attacks were poorly understood, there were no medicines to treat them and most victims lost their lives. BHF Professor Michael Davis carried out valuable research that proved that heart attacks are caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This ground-breaking work paved the way for clot-busting drugs.

Now, although each year 175,000 people in the UK may still suffer a heart attack, thanks to modern treatments built on BHF discovery, around seven out of 10 will survive.

However, CVD still kills around one in four people in the UK, stealing them away from their families and loved ones. There are also over seven million people, young, old and in-between, who live with the burden of CVD, so funds are vital to enable BHF's research and to continue the fight against heart disease.

Locally, the Guildford and Godalming Branch of the BHF has been a vanguard organisation, whose volunteers have worked tirelessly for many years, to raise much needed funds to support the work of the Cardiovascular Department at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

The volunteers have raised thousands and thousands of pounds which have paid for heart monitoring and other essential equipment for the hospital.

The Mayor will be working in partnership with these volunteers to support their work and to help capitalise on their outstanding achievements.

For more information about BHF, visit the British Heart Foundation website.

The Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund

Nigel will also continue to support the Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund. The economic climate continues to challenge a large number of people, and some struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet. The fund provides vital support by granting small sums of money to help those in genuine need.

Guildford is unusual in that its mayors have their own long-established charity, the Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund. This charity makes grants to individuals and families throughout the borough who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Find out more about the Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund and how to apply for help.

Upcoming events - please save the dates!

The Mayor will be supporting a number of events to raise awareness and much needed funds for both the British Heart Foundation and The Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund.

19 September - Walkfest 'Countryside Walk with the Mayor', Ash. For more information, visit the Walkfest website.

26 October - Shirl's Guildford - a photographic presentation. For more information, please email civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.

29 October - Pizza, Fizz and Fright Night, Guildhall, High Street, Guildford - feast on pizza and prepare for a special 'Guildford Ghost Tour'. To book tickets, please email: civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.

30 November - Wine Tasting, Guildhall, High Street, Guildford. To book, please email: civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.

2 December, The Mayor's Santa Fun Run in aid of the British Heart Foundation, Stoke Park.

3 December, 2pm - Christmas Concert, Friary Guildford Brass Band and Rhythm of Life Choir, Park Barn Day Centre. Tickets £10 - includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. For more information please email: civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.

10 December - The Mayor of Guildford's Carol Concert, Holy Trinity Church.

25 February 2018 - Mayor's Musical Extravaganza, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. To book tickets, visit: the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre website.

14 March 2018 - Charity Night at The Shahin Tandoori Restaurant, 29 Woodbridge Hill, Guildford.

21 April 2018 - The Mayor's Red, White and Blue Ball, The Harbour Hotel, Guildford. Celebrate Her Majesty's Birthday in patriotic style. Tickets: £65 or £60 per person when booking a table of 10 - includes drink on arrival, three-course meal and half a bottle of wine. Evening will include dancing, a raffle and live auction. To book tickets, please email: civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk