The new Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Terri Beer, has announced the mayoral charities that she will be supporting and fundraising for over the coming year.
The two chosen charities are Bowel Cancer West (BCW) and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
Bowel Cancer West Bowel Cancer West is a local charity working tirelessly to ensure the survival rates of people in the South West of England diagnosed with the condition.
It’s a charity close to the Lord Mayor’s heart as her husband Colin was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2017. After five weeks at Derriford Hospital ICU, Colin was transferred to the Plym Unit in Mount Gold where he struggled to initially walk and talk before undergoing rehabilitation ahead of his recovery.
Last year, it was discovered Colin had a spot on his lung that would require part removal of his lung, he has since made a recovery once again. Colin will join the Lord Mayor on many of the duties and engagements as they look forward to sharing their experiences and supporting families in similar challenging circumstances.
The second charity is the UK's leading children's charity the NSPCC, who prevent child abuse and help those children affected to recover. The Lord Mayor wants to use the mayoral role to make a difference to the children in our city impacted by physical, mental or sexual abuse.
The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Terri Beer said: “I considered the selection really carefully, particularly since the pandemic, as there are so many great causes and projects doing valuable work for Plymouth.
“But bowel cancer as a disease has a dangerously low-profile, I want to help Bowel Cancer West change that through their dedicated team of volunteers, knowing that every pound we raise is invested in the south west. I know first-hand the impact bowel cancer can have on a family, and along with my husband Colin look forward to sharing our journey to help other families get a positive outcome.
“My second charity is the NSPCC, for many years I worked with the NSPCC at the Crown Court in Plymouth. My dream would be to see the NSPCC’s Witness Support project up and running again, so that young people who give evidence, can do so safely and not in a court room. It’s all about getting justice when such horrific crimes happen.
“I do hope the residents of the city will support these charities this year, so that we can all make a difference.”
Councillor Beer was first elected to the City Council as Councillor for Plympton Erle in May 2007. She has served the city for 14 years and was Deputy Lord Mayor of the city of Plymouth in 2019/2020.
Councillor Beer was born and raised in Plympton St Maurice and has lived in Plymouth all her life. She gained a qualification in Personal Management at Plymouth’s City College and subsequently embarked on a career working for Victim Support at Plymouth Crown Court with an interest in assisting and advising victims and witnesses attending court to give evidence.
During this time she undertook specialist training to enable her to support families and the victims of crime during the judicial and court process. Until quite recently she has been employed with Devon and Cornwall Police in the Witness Care Unit, providing guidance and support to victims and witnesses required to give evidence in court.
Terri enjoys spending time with her husband Colin and family, especially her six grandchildren and her two cats Sebastian and Dolly.