The Mayor's charities

The Mayor of Guildford Cllr Richard Billington's good causes for his Mayoral year are the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and The Prostate Project.

Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity

Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity raises money to support patients at the hospital in Guildford, so that they receive exceptional care in a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment.

From providing state-of-the-art equipment and redeveloping wards, to investing in staff development and funding innovative research, the charity supports projects that make the biggest impact on the 260,000 patients the hospital treats each year.

Patients like Debbie, 46, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Debbie says: "I cannot tell you how incredible staff at Royal Surrey were during that time. They have the whole process so finely tuned and they are so brilliant at it. They know how to feed you the information. They're empathetic, as well as sympathetic, they just got it so right. I felt cocooned in a nest of support and that made me incredibly positive and allowed me not to worry."

Royal Surrey County Hospital serves a population of 330,000 people across South West Surrey, as well as delivering specialist cancer support to a population of two million people.

If you would like to find out more about the charity and how your support can transform care for more people like Debbie, please visit the charity website, or call the fundraising team on 01483 464146.

Website: Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity

The Prostate Project

Prostate Cancer has become the third largest cancer killer in the UK. Over 47,000 men are diagnosed with it every year. It kills one man every 45 minutes - that's more than 11,000 men every year.

In its early stages, prostate cancer is often symptomless. That's why it's so important to catch it early. Ninety per cent of men who have their prostate cancer diagnosed early are cured. It is vital that men aged between 50 and 70 are aware of the problem and consult their GP routinely for a PSA test. The PSA test is currently the only way of finding out whether you may have early prostate cancer.

The charity will continue the fight to increase awareness of prostate cancer and the need for early detection and treatment, both among GPs and the wider public. It will also fundraise for advanced medical equipment to elevate the potential of the world class Urology Centre at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, and to support the cancer research team at the University of Surrey. The team is working on a new way of identifying and treating an aggressive form of advanced prostate cancer, which cannot be detected via the PSA test.

The Prostate Project is a registered charity largely run by volunteers. It keeps administration costs below five per cent, resulting in at least 95 pence of every pound donated going to the point of need.

Contact details: info@prostate-project.org.uk

Tel: 01483 406870

Website: The Prostate Project

The Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund

Richard 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.