Two local charities have been given cheques worth thousands of pounds after a two-year fundraising drive by a former mayor.

Councillor Peter Chand, who held the ceremonial position as Mayor for Barking and Dagenham between 2019 and 2021, attended a presentation at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club on Thursday, 29 July.

I would like to thank everyone who donated to my two chosen charities. The past 18 months have been difficult for us all and I’m honoured to have had so much support during this tough time.

There he handed a cheque worth over £11,400 to both the Independent Living Agency (ILA), which helps disabled people live independent lives, and to Dagenham United Charity, which helps families that are struggling financially. This brought the total amounts to £19,000 for the ILA and £16,500 for Dagenham United, once all other donations were added.

A keen fundraiser, Dagenham-born Cllr Chand had previously run three London marathons and taken part in a 12-hour karate marathon for good causes. During the pandemic, the River Ward councillor signed up to be an NHS volunteer.

Addressing the audience at the presentation event, Cllr Chand said: “I would like to thank everyone who donated to my two chosen charities. The past 18 months have been difficult for us all and I’m honoured to have had so much support during this tough time.”