Mario Creatura and his fellow Conservative councillors make £30,000 donation toward new Oncology Unit
From Coulsdon to Crystal Palace, people across Croydon are passionate about taking the fight to child cancer.
That’s why, Mario and Croydon’s Conservative group of councillors has pooled together money from their community ward budgets in order to donate £30,000 to the Chartwell Cancer Trust’s Lily Pad Appeal.
The Chartwell Cancer Trust supports cancer patients – adults and children – across South London and Kent. Recently, the trust has launched the ‘Lily Pad’ appeal in a bid to raise £750,000 to build a new and modernised Oncology Unit at Croydon University Hospital. The donation from Mario and the Croydon Conservatives group will help fund a brand-new play area to provide moments of respite for young patients.
Cllr Yvette Hopley, Shadow Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care says, “The tragic reality is that child cancer has affected so many across Croydon – from the youngsters themselves to relatives, classmates and neighbours. Our borough is united in doing everything we can to make a tangible difference. It’s been a privilege to have the chance to make this donation and we will do all we can to help the trust raise the necessary funds to make their vision a lasting reality.”
5K Lloyd Park walk and further fundraising
Inspired by the great work of the Trust, Mario and the Croydon Conservatives have thrown themselves into wider fundraising activities to help secure the necessary cash.
On the 5th May, a team of councillors will take part in a 5K walk in Lloyd Park and are encouraging community members to sponsor them as they do their best to stumble through one of Croydon’s most beautiful green spaces.
Cllr Tim Pollard, leader of the Croydon Conservatives Group, said: “The whole of our group has really enjoyed getting to know more about the fantastic work of the Chartwell Cancer Trust. We want to do more to help and the Lloyd Park walk is – quite literally – the next step in this partnership. Our enthusiasm might outstrip our fitness a bit so we’re not making any promises on time – but the fact that every step we take will make a big difference will no doubt spur us on to the finishing line.”
You can sponsor Mario and the Croydon Conservatives Councillor team by visiting their Virgin Money sponsorship page.
In the months that follow, Mario and the councillors will reach out to resident associations and other local community groups to develop new fundraising initiatives - but do get in touch if you have any suggestions for fundraising activities!
