The Mayor's Charities
The chosen charity for 2026 to 2027 is Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
CRY is dedicated to raising awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions in young people, supporting affected families, and promoting life-saving cardiac screening.
The charity’s work in raising awareness is vital, as each week one in twelve young people die from undiagnosed heart conditions in the UK.
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Maggie Themistocli, said:
"I am proud to support Cardiac Risk in the Young as my chosen charity that I will be fundraising for over the next year.
“The charity’s work is very close to my heart and has special personal significance.
“During my mayoral term, I hope to work closely with local schools, colleges, youth organisations and sports clubs to raise awareness of cardiac health, highlight the importance of early screening, and encourage CPR and defibrillator training.
“By visiting local groups and engaging with young people, I hope to ensure that our borough is better equipped to save lives in instances where every second counts.
“I look forward to creating a legacy of awareness, education and prevention, that could help save young lives across our borough.”
Cllr Maggie Themistocli, who is ward councillor for Hylands and Harrow Lodge, also expressed her honour at being selected as Mayor of Havering:
“I am proud to be representing the borough as Mayor, and I am committed to serving Havering with dignity, professionalism, and a strong sense of civic duty, while championing local causes.
“As Mayor of Havering, I want to be a visible, approachable, and a unifying figure who celebrates the borough’s communities, traditions, and achievements.
“As a life-long resident, from a family with long-established roots in Havering, I have already experienced high-profile roles as a community advocate, elected Councillor and Committee Chair, and businesswoman across roles in diplomacy, public affairs and local government.”