SOME £24,000 has been raised for Macmillian cancer care after a year of fundraising by Newport mayor Cliff Suller.

Labour Caerleon councillor Suller spoke to the Argus as the 2013/14 Mayor’s appeal comes to a close – saying it has been a fabulous year and a tremendous education.

Tory leader Matthew Evans is set to take up the mayoral robes next week at Newport council’s annual general meeting and mayor making ceremony.

Cllr Suller, who has served as mayor since May 2013, said every penny of the cash would be spent on Newport residents.

“It’s been a fabulous year – a tremendous education,” he said.

“It’s fantastic going around our city, realising the amount volunteering that takes place.”

He said he picked Macmillan Cancer Support as his charity.

It provides nurses for people suffering with the disease – because they involve the whole family in its care.

He said: “I had personal friends of mine that had cancer.

“Macmillan not only look after the patient, but they very much incorporate the whole family as well. I think that’s very important.”

To help raise cash for Macmillan the mayor joined in on the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on September 27.

That day Cllr Suller visited seven separate coffee mornings - and he said there was “tremendous support” from the staff of Newport council.

Meanwhile more than 700 people attended the Performance in the Park event at Belle Vue Park on August 18.

The event included performances from the 1st Rogerstone Scout Band, Wales’ only such band, Newport Borough Brass Band and Allegra Ladies Choir.

“The mayorhood is a important factor in the history of our city. Everywhere I’ve gone with the mayoress we have been thoroughly welcomed,” he said.

Cllr Suller said his wife Christine has “absolutely thoroughly enjoyed” the year as mayoress, and said the role had given her tremendous confidence.

The mayor is set to bow out at the mayor making ceremony taking place on May 20 at the civic centre.