A Wolverhampton restaurant known for serving cuisine from around the world became the meeting place for community leaders, sporting legends and local charities committed to making the city an even better place.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Paul Singh, hosted his mayoral charity fundraising lunch at COSMO, the all-you-can-eat world buffet restaurant at Bentley Bridge. The sports-themed event highlighted the Mayor’s theme of ‘through sport, we grow, while raising funds for the Mayor’s four chosen charities – Inspire You, Wolverhampton Boxing Club, Friend of DI’s Kitchen and Wolverhampton Judo Club – all of which make a positive difference across the city.
Councillor Paul Singh said: “I was honoured to be able to invite some of our city’s greatest sporting heroes to this celebratory lunch and to raise almost £2,000 for the charities on the day was a wonderful achievement.
“I would like to thank the generosity of COSMO for enabling us to use the restaurant at no cost to be able to ensure all monies raised can go straight to good causes which are helping people in our city.
“It is so encouraging to see local businesses like COSMO wanting to put something back into their community and the support they give to the Mayoral charity is greatly appreciated.”
During the event, Leslie Fairclough, founder of Inspire You, shared the deeply personal story behind his charity. Inspired by the tragic loss of his son, Jamel, in a car accident, Leslie established the organisation to help young people realise their potential.
He said: “Out of dark cometh light. This is not a slogan, but a way of life. This city is a diamond in the rough and we have so much to be proud of.
“If we just join the dots, we can be greatness personified. Instead of acting as individuals, we act as a collective.”
“I created this charity in honour of my son Jamel, who we sadly lost in a car crash. We want to give children the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.
The event was compered by Olympic cycling legend Hugh Porter MBE, a four-time World Professional Pursuit Champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who was joined by his wife, Anita Lonsbrough. Anita is considered one of Britain’s greatest swimmers, winning Olympic gold in the 200 metres breaststroke at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. She went on to win multiple Commonwealth and European titles, became the first female winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Other local sporting legends included John Richards affectionately known by generations of supporters as “King John” who scored 194 goals in his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Olympic bronze medallist Kerrith Brown won Olympic Bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, a World Championship Bronze Medal, a European silver medal and was a multiple-time British champion and English Super-Middleweight Champion Ollie Cooper whose rise through the ranks has been remarkable.
Guests enjoyed COSMO’s spectacular traditional lion dance, a vibrant Chinese cultural performance believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and happiness. As part of the tradition, selected guests took part in the ceremonial “plucking of the greens”, where the lion presents lucky lettuce to guests as a symbol of sharing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
Donations were also raised for Wednesfield in Bloom, a community initiative that brightens the area through floral displays, planting projects and environmental improvements. The initiative is COSMO’s charity partner and supported by Mayor Paul Singh, as a Wednesfield resident.
Adding a local touch to the celebrations, Wolverhampton actor Spencer Elcock – known for appearing in the Peaky Blinders film – delivered a heartfelt poem celebrating the city’s rich heritage, resilient spirit and strong sense of community.
As well as generously hosting the event, COSMO organised raffles, an auction and fundraising activities throughout the evening, helping to generate donations for all four mayoral charities.
Kan Koo, Director of COSMO Group, said: “It was a privilege to host the Mayor’s Charity and support four charities making a real difference to communities across Wolverhampton.
“At COSMO, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities that support us, and we’re proud to play our part in bringing people together for such an important cause.”
COSMO Wolverhampton has long been committed to supporting the local community through charitable partnerships, fundraising events and initiatives that bring people together.
-ENDS-
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
