HALTON’S new mayor has vowed to support bereaved children and stroke victims during his term in office.

Widnes born Ged Philbin, 69, an Appleton councillor for 17 years, was installed at a ceremony in Runcorn Town Hall on Friday.

The dad-of-two has chosen the Runcorn centre of Child Bereavement UK and Halton’s Let’s Go Stroke Club as his two charities.

Guests at a celebration dinner in the Select Security Stadium raised more than £1,700 towards his Mayor’s Fund.

“Child bereavement hit home as my own mother, Elizabeth, died from TB when I was 12-months-old,” said Ged.

“One in every 30 children in Halton will have lost one parent while in education. It is quite staggering.

“Meeting people from this charity gave me a real insight into how they help children to share their experiences.”

Volunteers have supported 55 families since the charity opened a centre on High Street in 2014.

Let’s Go has become the biggest stroke club in the UK after being launched by stroke survivors 19 years ago.

Five people a week in Halton have strokes.

The club organises monthly socials, days out, holidays and offers a caravan for respite breaks.

“It is absolutely amazing the number of people who give up their time to help those who are less fortunate,” said Ged.

“They are unsung heroes.

“It is an honour and privilege to meet all the people who work behind the scenes.”

Ged emigrated to Australia after marrying Pauline in 1970.

They returned seven years later with their son, Gary and daughter Nicol on the way.

Sadly, Pauline died in 2004.

Ged worked for 34 years at ICI, firstly as a joiner and then as a trade union site convenor.

His Mayoress and partner Rosalin Wong, 56, has worked for Halton Council since 1988 in various roles including housing manager and currently is in road safety.

A Dublin to Galway cycle ride and murder mystery at Runcorn Town Hall are among Mayor’s Fund charity events being planned.