The Mayor of Lewisham has given £9,237 raised from the council’s joint legal victory over Lewisham Hospital to a Catford children’s charity.

Residents donated the funds to aid Lewisham Council’s challenge against the Secretary of State’s decision to downgrade A&E and maternity services at Lewisham Hospital.

Sir Steve Bullock presented Rushey Green-based charity Children First Lewisham, which supports children and young people with disabilities, with a cheque on Friday (April 4) at their base Kaleidoscope.

The council made it clear at the start of the challenge, which took place alongside Save Lewisham Hospital’s campaign, that funds would go to the charity if the court awarded costs in their favour.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: “It’s a great pleasure to hand over this money to this very deserving local charity for two reasons.

“The first is that it will be put to very good use to benefit children and their families who use Kaleidoscope.

“The second is that it is a reminder of the fantastic community effort that prevented the downgrade of services at Lewisham hospital.”

To find out more about the charity visit childrenfirstlewisham.org.uk/kaleidoscope