A TEARFUL former mayor of Test Valley recapped some of her favourite memories as the borough’s first citizen while handing out almost £29,000 to her chosen charities.

Councillor Karen Hamilton presented 20 different organisations from across the borough with cheques at her presentation evening, held at Andover Guildhall on Monday, July 31.

The emotional ex-mayor also shared her favourite pictures and stories from her time serving as the borough’s representative.

These included meeting Alex Lewis, a quadruple amputee from Stockbridge, teaming up with Tony Noakes from Andover charity the Abel Foundation and watching her husband of seven years, Lee, conquering his fear by skydiving for her chosen charities.

Amongst those receiving cheques, from money raised by the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, were her four chosen charities for her mayoral year.

These were Enham Trust, Andover Visually Impaired People (VIP), Romsey Young Carers and Test Valley Community Services.

There were also cheques for the likes of Veterans in Action, Mencap, Mind and Romsey Opportunity.

At the end of the presentation, councillor Hamilton was surprised by local campaigner, Manuela Wahnon.

The ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ champion literally turned the spotlight, in the form of a torch, on the stunned councillor, before handing her one of her own “Mayor Extraordinaire”

awards.

Cllr Hamilton said: “I was stunned to see a light in my face, and then Manuela doing what she does best, giving recognition to people she feels makes a difference to others.

“She definitely caught me on the hop, it was an amazing surprise and I am truly thankful.

“Manuela is a great friend and supported my year by fundraising for me raising £1,900.

“I did well not to be tearful from my presentation, but that went out the window when I was presented.”