A FORMER borough resident and Thurrock councillor is close to completing a successful fundraising sponsored walk for causes close to his heart.

Charlie Key, from Stanford-le-Hope and a former councillor in Chafford Hundred where he served as a Conservative member between 2012 and 2016,is walking from the Tower of London to the Water Tower on Mersea Island, where he now lives, with a fellow Rotarian and friend Luke Conway.

The duo, who set out yesterday (Friday, 20 March), are raising money for Mersea Island School, where Mr Key is a governor, and West Mersea Cricket Club.

The school has a priority list of essential projects that require funding to ensure children have the best possible environment to learn and grow. Mr Key says: "The school develops and protects our children; now it's time to protect and support the school that shapes their future."

You can find out more about Mersea Island School and some of the projects they are fundraising for here - Mersea Island School - Wishlist Hub

Mr Conway is currently in his 20th year as the cricket club captain, and he's seen the club grow to over 100 members. He says: "More than just a sports team, the club is a hub for mental health and wellbeing—getting people into the fresh air and socialising. We have vital projects lined up to ensure the future and smooth running of the club so it can continue to serve the island for generations to come."

This morning the duo crashed through their fundraising target of £6,000 but they hope to take the tally to new heights. If you wish to donate, you can do so via this link.

Though he left politics in 2016 and later moved on from his birthplace with his family, Mr Key remained a close observer of local events. At a time when there is some political turmoil with party defections and pending elections, his article on Thurrock Nub News, reflecting on life in politics, has a current day resonance. You can read it here: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/opinion/don39t-to-be-too-quick-to-judge-councillors39-defection-negatively-says-former-councillor-in-the-wake-of-onslaught-of-criticism

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