Question re combining two partitions into one partition on SSD

I have replaced a 256GB SSD M2 C Drive on my laptop with a larger 500GB SSD M2.
Below is an image of the new 500 GB C drive which I have just restored from a macrium image. I want to have the maximum space I can get out of the drive
Is the recovery partition needed if I have a macrium rescue disk?
Can I delete the recovery partition so the 237 GB and the 227 unallocated partition can become one 464 GB partition?

If I cant how can I combine the 237 and 227 into one contiguous partition?

DON'T delete that recovery partition.

The unallocated space is not yet a partition.

You can't use Windows Disk Management to add the space because that recovery partition is in the way.

Use a better tool that doesn't have that limitation:

Minitool Partition Wizard. You can add the unallocated space to the partition of your choice.

Yes, you certainly can delete the recovery partition.

Can you think of any circumstance where you may want to use safe mode?
Safe mode is often used when computers are having problems with GPU, BSOD, unexpected shutdowns / restarts, etc.

Windows recovery can be disabled / enabled.
It should have no impact on the operating system.

Typically having a windows RE with a backup image adds tools that can be used when there are unexpected problems.

The trade off is typically 450 to 900 MB of used space.

While you can delete the partition consider moving it.
The 237 and 227 could be combined and the recovery drive restored.

Also instead of using the default windows recovery you have the option to create your own recovery:
Factory recovery - Create a Custom Recovery Partition

Can I Delete Recovery Partition in Windows 7/8/10 for Further Use?
Can I Delete Recovery Partition in Windows 7/8/10 for Further Use?

I would use MiniTool Partition Wizard to move the recovery partition to the end of the drive then extend system partition C: to use up the unallocated space. You might need to use the reagentc command to specify and enable the recovery partition. The recovery partition can be deleted but you you then need to use a separate recovery drive for the functionality it provides.