Mayoral boost for RWT Charity

A charity which works to improve patients’ experience and enhance healthcare services is proud to have been announced as one of the new Mayor of Wolverhampton’s chosen causes for the year.

Councillor Craig Collingswood was officially appointed the city’s 166th Mayor at an inauguration during last night’s (Wednesday 14 May) Annual Council Meeting.

His daughter Abby, a Cardiothoracic Nurse at New Cross Hospital’s Heart and Lung Centre, is Mayoress which is a fitting connection as The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity is one of the Mayor’s chosen causes.

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for the RWT Charity, said: “We are over the moon to have been chosen and thank the Mayor and Mayoress for doing so.

“RWT Charity is working hard to raise its profile and promote itself among our communities and those who use healthcare services in our New Cross, West Park and Cannock Chase Hospitals and this invaluable partnership will really boost our efforts to do so. We are looking forward to a busy fundraising year with the Mayor and Mayoress and can’t wait to start planning our activities!”

Councillor Collingswood, who has served the Park Ward since 2012 said: “I am immensely proud and deeply grateful to become the First Citizen of our great city.

“Wolverhampton has a rich and proud history. It has witnessed remarkable changes and transformations and has long been a place where innovation and industry have thrived – and today it continues to be a city which embraces diversity, progress and opportunity.

“Our city’s motto, out of darkness cometh light, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that, even in the face of adversity, we have the power to advance, innovate and shine brightly, and this resonates today more than ever as we continue to work together to bring light to every corner of our city.”

He added: “Abby will be a wonderful Mayoress and, together, we promise to act with integrity and put the interests of our city and Wulfrunians first and foremost. Let us work together to make Wolverhampton an even better place for future generations, guided by the light that our motto so brilliantly embodies.”

Councillor Collingswood’s four charities to support during his Mayoral year are:

1. SAFFA, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, a military charity which provides lifelong support to veterans, serving personnel and their families
2. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, which is committed to supporting the Trust’s work by raising essential funds to improve patient care and healthcare services across the city
3. Compton Care, which provides specialist palliative care to adults with life-limiting illnesses
4. And Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provides specialist care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, along with support for their families

Councillor Paul Singh was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025/26, with his wife Ranjit Dhillon becoming the new Deputy Mayoress.