Cllr Simon Ward appointed Mayor of Rugby

Cllr Ward was appointed Mayor at Rugby Borough Council's annual meeting on Thursday (16 May).

Cllr Barbara Brown was appointed Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Ward has represented the Wolston and The Lawfords Ward since 2022. Born in Oldham, he moved to Rugby 18 years ago and lives in Long Lawford with wife Carrie and children Ruby and Noah.

A junior football coach and chairman of Lawford United, Cllr Ward has supported Ukrainian refugees who moved to the borough following Russia's illegal invasion, including offering free training sessions for Ukrainian youngsters.

He has chosen 'youth' as the theme for his Mayoral year and plans to shine the spotlight on children and young people, celebrating achievement and recognising the positive roles young people play in the borough.

Cllr Ward has chosen to support the OurJay Foundation during his Mayoral year. 

The foundation was launched by the family of Jamie Rees, who died on 5 January 2022 after suffering a cardiac arrest in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Launched by Jamie's mother, Naomi Rees-Issitt, the foundation has campaigned for 24/7 defibrillators to be installed at public buildings and has so far raised more than £300,000  - helping to install 166 defibrillators across Warwickshire and beyond, while donating 27 portable defibrillators to communities.

"I can't even begin to express the admiration I have for Naomi and her family, channelling their emotions and heartache into creating such a positive legacy for Jamie," Cllr Ward said.

"I've supported the OurJay Foundation since its inception and want to raise as much awareness and money for the charity as I can during my Mayoral year." 

Cllr Ward kicks-off his year of fund-raising for the foundation on Saturday 22 June at the OurJay Foundation Festival and Fun Day.

The event, which takes place at Newbold Rugby Club and includes live music and street food stalls, starts with a charity football match at 11.15am, with an OurJay Foundation XI taking on a team from Cllr Ward's Lawford United - with the Mayor planning to play for both teams during the match.

Anyone interested in supporting the Mayor's charity can call (01788) 533523 or email the.mayor@rugby.gov.uk

For more information about the OurJay Foundation, visit www.ourjay.org.uk