THURROCK Mayor Cllr James Halden has reiterated his thanks to the borough community, and particularly its businesses, for the support his nominated charities have received during his civic year to date.

Businesses have so far donated £17,900 to the chosen charities of Cllr Halden.

The Mayor named the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Basildon University Hospital as his main charity when he was elected in May last year, alongside focusing on charities that provide help for refugee children, families and those who support them.

He says: "As soon as I was elected I made a commitment to help raise money for those in need in our borough and beyond, and I'm so pleased this is coming to fruition. Working closely with Thurrock's businesses I aim to continue building strong and open relationships, and continue proactively raising awareness of these good causes that are doing fantastic work and making an immeasurable difference to people's lives."

Cllr Halden has given donations to the following charities across the borough and surrounding areas, including:

• Basildon Neonatal unit – £15,000
• Thurrock Sea Cadets – £500
• Purfleet Heritage Centre – £500
• MADE – £500
• #GiveAGift – £300
• Thurrock Foodbank – £300
• Chadwell Café – £300
• Thurrock Army Cadets – £250
• Thurrock Air Cadets – £250

Cllr Halden added: "It was with tremendous pride that I was able to present the Neonatal Unit with a cheque for £15,000 in December following an incredibly generous donation from DP World London Gateway, alongside presenting donations to a number of other good causes, as listed above.

"I'd like to offer a huge thank you to businesses who have helped make this great achievement possible, and supporting these causes that are particularly close to my heart. I look forward to meeting with more businesses and encouraging further donations in the coming months."