New Lord Mayor of Exeter Cllr Kevin Mitchell chooses Force Cancer Charity
Published: 17 May 2023
Exeter’s new Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Mitchell has chosen FORCE Cancer Charity as his official charity.
Cllr Mitchell will use his term as Lord Mayor to raise money and support the Exeter based charity.
The Lord Mayor said: “As a Cancer Nurse I know first-hand the amazing support that is offered by Force to individuals and their loved ones following a cancer diagnosis.
“I am really looking forward to building up their profile, whilst championing their work and raising funds for our designated project to refurbish the Oncology Outpatients Department during my Mayoral year.”
Born in Exeter, Kevin grew up in Whipton, as one of six brothers and sisters. His parents still live in Kevin’s childhood home.
Kevin worked as a care assistant before moving to Guildford to train as a nurse. Most of his training was carried out at Frimley Park Hospital.
In 1999 Kevin qualified as a nurse and moved to Plymouth, where he worked on an Elderly Care Ward and then the Haematology Unit at Derriford Hospital. Missing his home city he moved back to Exeter in 2001 after securing a job within the Haematology Unit at the RD&E Hospital.
Kevin completed his Honours Degree at the University of Plymouth and soon developed a passion for oncology nursing. He enjoys building up relationships with his patients and their loved ones.
He moved to the Oncology Inpatient ward in 2003 and worked there for over a decade before moving on to be a Clinical Nurse Specialist initially within the Upper Gastrointestinal team and now within the Skin and Sarcoma service.
Kevin was first elected to the City Council for St James Ward in 2003 and represented the community until 2015. In 2016 he was elected to represent the newly formed Duryard & St James ward, who he continues to represent today.
During his time on the Council, Kevin has served on many committees, been the Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, as well as a Group Leader and the Co-Leader of the opposition.
Kevin met his husband Ian in 2007. They celebrated their Civil Partnership in 2008 and converted this to a marriage in 2018. They live with their Cat Millie and they both enjoy travelling, watching movies and eating out. Ian will act as the Lord Mayor’s Consort.
Kevin has been Deputy Lord Mayor for Exeter on two occasions firstly in 2008/09 and secondly in 2011/12.
His Deputy is Tess Read, who was represented the St David’s ward since 2022 and has a background in writing and broadcasting.