Mayor’s Charity of the Year

Explaining the very personal reason behind his choice Godfrey, ward councillor for Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, said: “I chose to support Hospice in the Weald because they looked after my wife, Olga. We were very moved by the kindness and compassion they showed.”

Olga sadly died just a short time after the couple, who have three grandchildren, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019.

Caroline Sampson, one of the couple’s three children, will accompany Cllr Bland as Mayoress during his year of office. Lou Wardle, the Hospice’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We’d like to thank congratulate Cllr Bland on his distinguished appointment and extend thanks to him for choosing to support our Hospice. His support will help raise awareness of our vital work in the community and every penny raised will make a difference to terminally ill patients and their families.”