Express & Star

Elias Mattu: Foundation launched in memory of Wolverhampton mayor

A Wolverhampton community champion's memory was honoured by the opening of a new foundation in his memory.

Published
A full buffet of vegetarian foods from around the world was on offer

Councillor Elias Mattu served as Labour councillor for Graiseley and was sworn in as the 159th Mayor of Wolverhampton in May 2017, but passed away after a period of illness in May 2018.

The Elias Mattu Foundation - which will continue Councillor Mattu's legacy of community work and helping to improve the lives of elderly people, victims of domestic violence and many other groups in the community - was officially launched today with a special picnic in West Park.

The event, which was moved indoors to the West Park Conservatory due to rain, was a celebration of the life of Councillor Mattu.

Councillor Mattu's widow Asha, who represents Graiseley as a councillor after winning the election in May, opened the event with a heartfelt speech about her husband and the legacy that the foundation aims to continue.

There were other speeches from colleagues of Councillor Mattu, with John Denley from public health, Councillor Jasbir Jaspal and MP Eleanor Smith amongst the speakers, and entertainment from Dhol Blasters, as well as an appearance from Wolves mascot Wolfie.

Councillor John Reynolds, a colleague of Councillor Mattu and a trustee of the foundation, spoke warmly about the event and about the councillor.

He said: "Fifty to 60 people have been here with big smiles on their faces and really enjoying themselves and there's a marvellous mixture of people from the community here.

"I'll always remember doing the walks with him down the streets on a Saturday and it was difficult to get to the end of the street, what with the number of people who wanted to speak to him and that spoke of him and what the community thought of him."

Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Greg Brackenridge helped to officially launch the foundation. He had originally interviewed Councillor Mattu about becoming a councillor and said that the foundation was a reflection of the man.

He said: "Elias had that amazing quality about him for how he could unite people of different faiths and cultures and his burial proved it through the thousands of people who turned out for him.

"This is the perfect legacy to remember a man who was so involved in his community and he would be smiling today."

Manj Sidhu, a director of the foundation, described Councillor Mattu as the heart of Wolverhampton and said that the day was a perfect reflection of his work with the elderly.

She said: "Elias Mattu thought very highly of the elderly and that's why we decided to do a picnic in the park for the elderly to start it off with their blessings.

"The weather hasn't been kind, but we're making the best of what it is and we'll get everyone up and active in his honour."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.