Good afternoon,
I do hope you are well and have been able to enjoy some of this pleasant weather we've been experiencing lately.
In just over a week's time, I will join thousands of runners to take on my third London Marathon, and this year I am raising money for two suicide prevention charities:
- Southend Samaritans: Run by local volunteers, Southend Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in distress, or at risk of suicide. They make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
- The Rose Paterson Trust: Supports suicide prevention projects, and was set up by my parliamentary colleague, The Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, after his wife, Rose, sadly took her own life in June 2020.
Click to donate
Every penny raised will ultimately save lives and I would like to thank everybody who has supported these two worthy causes so far, including our local firms - Adventure Island, Ocean Beach, and Rossi Ice Cream.
Best of luck to those also taking part in this year's London Marathon!
Covid booster jabs:
Booster jabs are being rolled out to give those eligible longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Find out more »
Southend city status bid:
I was pleased to join my colleague Sir David Amess MP at the official launch of Southend's city status bid recently. Support the bid »
Reshuffle
After nine years as a Government Whip or Minister, serving in four departments - including four years as Africa Minister, I have now returned to the backbenches.
I am looking forward to getting on with delivering Our Plan for Rochford and Southend East, which includes speeding up the A127, improving our High Street, putting even more police on the beat, reducing the NHS backlog, and getting Southend a dog-friendly beach!
Remember, I am here to help - so if there's anything that I, as your Member of Parliament, can do to assist you with, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Yours sincerely
James Duddridge MP
Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East.
