Swindon Charity of the Year Jessie May bids thanks and goodbye to Mayor

Bristol-based childrens hospice charity Jessie May bid thanks and farewell to Swindon Mayor Maureen Penny this week, ahead of her handing over the chain of office.

Mayor Penny has been a passionate supporter of the charity over the past year, electing Jessie May as one of her three Charities of the Year for 2017/2018, during which time she helped Jessie May secure their central Swindon office space, free of charge.

Over the past year, Mayor Penny's support has resulted in more than £15,900 being donated to the charity, including the free office space in the heart of the town.

The Jessie May Swindon nurses currently operate from the generously donated Fig Offices space at the service provider's 3 Newbridge Square centre, helping the charity reach the homes of local terminally ill children and support their families, at no cost.

As Mayor Penny’s Charity of the Year, Jessie May has also been supported through a plethora of fundraising events, including the Dragon Boat Racing, MacDonald’s Swindon Bank Holiday Bucket Collections, Swindon Wildcats & Jessie May T Shirt Auction, Swindon Phoenix Rotary Barge use, Highworth Festival and many more.

Debbie Clark, Swindon and Wiltshire Fundraising Officer for Jessie May, said: “Maureen has been instrumental in ensuring the people of Swindon recognize Jessie May’s arrival in Swindon and the services provided free of charge to our 34 local families.

“Her zest for life and the tenacious manner in which she has helped promote Jessie May will ensure we continue to go from strength to strength. We can’t thank her enough."

Mayor Penny said: “Jessie May provide a remarkable service to local Swindon families providing them with a lifeline that had nit existed before. Enabling families to create treasured memories is such a powerful thing. The Jessie May nurses do an incredible job and are extremely committed and hard working. I have truly enjoyed my time with them."

The incoming Mayor of Swindon is Junab Ali, Borough Treasurer and Labour Councillor for Swindon South.

Currently Jessie May Nurses provide vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care, and bereavement support alongside family events, working throughout Wiltshire, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, North East Somerset and Bath.