By Michael Bowden

Street collections, gala dinners and generous donations have contributed to significant funds for a cancer charity close to the heart of former Haringey mayor councillor Ali Gul Ozbek supports.

A total of £71,477.07 has been raised for the Lymphoma Association through the Mayor of Haringey’s Special Fund Appeal.

Councillor Ozbek’s brother was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2015.

Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

Councillor Ozbek, said: “My brother was successfully treated for lymphoma last year and as a family we benefitted from the invaluable information and support that the charity provides.

“Through the Mayor of Haringey’s Special Fund, we wanted to support this kind of help for more than 1,000 families like ours.

“Our original target was £20,000 so to have smashed that amount by more than £50,000 is truly amazing.

“I thank everyone who has been involved in helping us to raise such a staggering amount.”

Lymphoma Association chief executive Jonathan Pearce presented councillor Ozbek with a certififcate

Mr Pearce, said: “It really has been a pleasure to work with councillor Ozbek and his colleagues throughout 2016 and 2017.

“Councillor Ozbek and his team were incredibly passionate about making a difference to people affected by lymphoma.

“The money raised will go towards our work in providing specialist information and support.

“We thank him for his generosity and ongoing commitment to the charity.”

Councillor Stephen Mann replaced councillor Ozbek as Haringey mayor in May.