Outgoing mayor’s lasting legacy

The ceremony marked the culmination of Coun Ken Smith’s fundraising efforts for the Hospice, his chosen charity for his year in office.

Coun Smith hopes the stonework will create a lasting tribute to the hard work of his team whose efforts raised more than £7,300 for the hospice, which cares for people with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees.

He said: “This stone is the culmination of our hard work. “I hope this will encourage everyone who supports this great service to think of adding a tribute to the path within this wonderful garden.”

Coun Smith has worked tirelessly to raise both awareness and funds for Kirkwood over the past year and has attended more than 600 engagements since becoming deputy mayor two years ago.

As well as officially opening the hospice’s new in-patient unit in October 2014, he played a prominent role in organising a successful Mother’s Day Concert at Huddersfield Town Hall in March.

He said: “The Mayoress and I have received excellent support this year and it has been a privilege to meet so many interesting people from across Kirklees. We have been to lots of engagements and were lucky enough to be involved in some fabulous events.”

Kirkwood Hospice chairman John Spain said: “Thanks must go to Ken and Christine for their tireless efforts over the past year. Their hard work has been recognised by all involved at the hospice.”