Mayor's Charity

The Mayor of South Tyneside is Councillor Pat Hay, who will carry out her civic role with her friend by her side, the Mayoress, Mrs Jean Copp.

Born in South Shields, Councillor Hay went to work in Covent Garden, London, for a diamond merchant after leaving school, before returning to her hometown after a few years. She also worked in retail.

Councillor Hay later spent time travelling with her Merchant Navy husband Ian until their son was born in 1985. Working around family commitments, Councillor Hay became a Youth Worker in South Tyneside.

After her daughter's birth in 1990, Councillor Hay became a home's manager initially working with older people then later with adults with physical and learning disabilities. She also worked as the Managing Director of South Tyneside Community Empowerment Network.

The Mayor is supporting The Customs House and Cancer Connections during her year in office.