As the fighting intensifies in Ukraine people all over the world are watching the news in horror at the devastating scenes coming from a sovereign European state. As expected, Nottingham?s response to the awful situation has been quick and generous. People in Nottingham have already organised many fundraising events, raised thousands of pounds and donated much needed items for the Ukrainian people caught up in this war.?

Yesterday local people again gathered at the Brian Clough statue in memory of those Ukrainians who have already lost their lives to Putin's war. I was humbled to speak at this vigil and offer my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones or are worried about families and friends in Ukraine.

A national emergency fund-raising appeal has been set up to support Ukrainian people and donations can be made here www.dec.org.uk.?

I?m pleased that our council?s Chief Executive Mel Barrett has been appointed to head up the city?s drive to improve health and wellbeing for our citizens. Mel will take over as Lead of the Nottingham City Place Based Partnership on 1 April.

The partnership brings together health and care services including GPs, the council, community services and hospitals, as well as wider services provided by the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector.

Mel?s role leading both the City Council and the PCB will strengthen our ambition to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in Nottingham. You can read more about his appointment here: Nottingham City Place Based Partnership

While the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the inequalities that exist in our city, the response to Covid-19 in Nottingham has proven what is possible when a group of organisations work together around a shared purpose.

With that in mind, I?d like to give a massive thank you to all the homecare, social care and care home staff in Nottingham who've made a huge difference to the lives of people in our city during the pandemic. You can watch some of their stories here: http://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/thankyou

Congratulations to Leigh Wood who retained his WBA featherweight title on Saturday night in front of packed home crowd at the Motorpoint Arena. It was a relief to know that Michael Conlon is well after the match-up. Leigh is a Nottingham lad and we?re incredibly proud of what he?s achieved ? we wish him well and look forward to seeing what?s next for him, perhaps a night under the lights at the City Ground awaits!