Cllr Mercy Umeh wants to "bring compassion into our daily lives"

Hammersmith and Fulham's New Mayor, Cllr Mercy Umeh has chosen her mayoral charity for the coming year.

The charity is Lupus UK, which helps thousands of people and their families to cope, offering advice, support and practical help.

Lupus is a chronic and, as yet, incurable illness of the immune system where the body begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in the blood stream, that causes inflammation and damage to the joints, muscles and other organs.

Cllr Umeh says: " The charity I am supporting is Lupus UK because a friend of mine has the condition. Lupus can adversely affect the lives of sufferers and their families, and it’s important to raise awareness of this misunderstood and often misdiagnosed illness."

Originally from Nigeria, Cllr Umeh moved to London after attending university, and has lived in Shepherds Bush Green for 38 years.

She has worked in west London for the past 30 years and currently works in adult social care. Cllr Umeh has held roles at the BBC, the Federation of Film Archives and owned and ran The Pantry café in Shepherds Bush Market for many years.

She has been heavily involved in the voluntary sector too, helping at Witness Support and West London Mental Health Trust.

Shesays: " I am looking forward to working with our diverse communities, especially with the police and our young people, to bring everyone together. I look forward to serving our community and being an ambassador for our borough.

" I want to bring compassion into our daily lives, wherever that may be – anywhere from the office to travelling on public transport and in the neighbourhoods where we live."

Cllr Umeh is married to Maxwell, who becomes her official consort, and daughter Frances is her mayoress. Frances, along with her siblings Karina, Chidi, Kenneth and Catherine, all attended the borough’s local schools.
In her spare time, Cllr Umeh likes watching period dramas, listening to classic music, attending church and relaxing with family and friends.

She was elected to the ceremonial role at Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s annual council meeting on Monday June 16, with outgoing mayor Cllr Frances Stainton passing on the mayoral chains.

June 20, 2014