A HEALTH and social care company has donated thousands of pounds to support the mayor’s charities.

Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford collected £3,000 from Provide, in Colchester Business Park on Friday, June 16.

The cash will be used to support his chosen charities for the year.

Former jokey Mr Oxford said: “I contacted lots of businesses and Provide has kindly donated £3,000 to the charity pot, in return that money sponsors a particular event.”

Some of the cash will go toward funding a VIP trip to Newmarket Racecourse.

The mayor said: “It’s a huge amount and I’m extremely grateful. These worthwhile charities will benefit from every penny.”

Among his chosen charities are Chavasse House, Colchester Guide Dogs, St Helena Hospice and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Virginia Craig, non- executive director at Provide, said: “Provide is committed to supporting the local communities that we serve and we are very pleased to be able to [offer our] support.”