The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, has announced the charities that he has chosen to support during his term of office. They are Action Cancer, the Sea Cadets (Ards and North Down Units), and St. John Ambulance (Dufferin Cadets and Bangor and Ards Adults ambulance unit).

Commenting on his choices, the Mayor said:

"I am proud to be supporting these three charities that provide so much assistance to the people of Ards and North Down. That work that they do within the Borough is invaluable. I look forward to hosting some fundraising events that will help to raise much-needed funds for them and I would love for as many people as possible to get involved. With your support, we can help make a positive difference."

Action Cancer is Northern Ireland's leading, local cancer charity. Its mission is to save lives and support local people through cancer awareness, prevention, detection and support. The charity provides early detection, support and prevention services to more than 20,000 people on an annual basis. Services include digital breast screening, skin cancer detection, support and therapeutic services, MOT health checks, health promotion programmes, and the charity's 'Big Bus' mobile unit travels to 200 locations throughout Northern Ireland annually. All money raised through the Mayor's Charities for Action Cancer will stay in Ards and North Down to support local people.

The Sea Cadets is part of a national youth charity for young people aged 10-18, which aims to inspire young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure, guided by the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. Through various activities and adventures, young people learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of themselves. Sea Cadets offer a range of different activities and these activities lead to development of key skills such as resilience, self-belief and social confidence. It enables them to feel more confident and motivated in school, more comfortable speaking to people, a better team player as well as developing skills which benefit them as they enter the work force. 

St John Ambulance Dufferin Cadets are aged between 10 and 18. They are taught about everything that can be found in a first aid manual and gain substantial hands-on experience. They take part in a 'Grand Prior' youth programme where they work towards earning a Grand Prior badge. As a Cadet Unit, they provide first aid services at many events in the Borough. Three cadets have progressed to become paramedics and one has qualified as a doctor, with four more expected in the next two years. Meanwhile, Bangor and Ards Adults is an ambulance unit that provide medical cover to a variety of events including motocross races, equestrian events, as well as larger public events such as the Bangor, Newtownards and Holywood Christmas lights switch-ons.

All funds raised during the Mayoral year will be split between the three charities. To make a donation, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/MayorsCharityDonation.

For more information about upcoming charity fundraising events and how to get involved, contact the Mayor's Office on 0300 013 3333 or email mayors.office@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.