Over Christmas and New Year many of us will not be celebrating as we normally would, myself included. I hope together we can find comfort in making sacrifices and doing things slightly differently, in order to protect the vulnerable people in Hyndburn and our NHS services.

We have shown strength and resilience like never before during this difficult year, through these hard times we have seen our community pull together and support eachother. I am hopeful for the future and the first phase of vaccination roll out is a much-needed light at the end of the tunnel, which I know has been a welcomed by so many.

This year my chosen charity has been the Hyndburn Hub, there are over 40 organisations part of the Hub and they have helped thousands of people who are struggling for a variety of reasons. Myself and The Mayoress, Councillor Joyce Plummer, have also personally donated to Derian House and Hyndburn McMillan Cancer, both of these charities have been hit hard with not being able to fund raise and are very worthy causes.

The Hub can help so many due to the hard work of hundreds of people and volunteers, and also through kind donations. We have not been able to fundraise like we normally would this year and if anyone is able to donate to the Hub they are invited to do so via our just giving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hyndburnhub so far we have raised over £4,500 which is wonderful! Thank you to all those who are working to support others.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, please keep safe, check in on your loved ones, and remember to reach out if you need help.

The Hyndburn Hub are here to help: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk 01254 388 111