We have revealed our very own local heroes as part of a fundraising campaign called “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”. We asked our Publicans and their teams to nominate their local heroes, people that go above and beyond in their communities.
The winning nomination came from the Publican, Lotte Lyster, at the Prince Albert pub in Stroud. Lotte’s local hero is a customer of the pub, Robin Layfield. Robin has helped start a food bank in the pub, collects the food from the pub and delivers to the collection point every week. He also helps run the Sunday social in the village hall and organised a gig in the Prince Albert for a half-way house for people struggling with mental health issues. For all his hard work he was presented with his award in the pub and was given a £200 red letter day.
Two other heroes also received £50 in High Street Vouchers.
Gordon Littlewood, the publican at the Mallard pub in Seaham thrives for his work to help those in need. He recently led a team of bikers around the country to raise £5500 to buy a specially made bed for a local child in the community. He also fundraises at the pub for Help for Heroes every year.
Glen Campbell, a customer at the Parkwood pub in Stockton on Tees, was nominated due to his generosity and charitable giving. The pub put on a collection for food, toys, and treats for under privileged children and in the first week there were only a few items in the basket. When Glen saw this, he bought hundreds of pounds worth of food, toys, selection boxes and other gifts which had the basket piled high and over-flowing. This is just one example of his generosity.
The “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” campaign was created to recognise the tremendous effort people go to within their local communities to do good in their pubs. Pubs are hubs for many heroic activities, whether that’s providing a sanctuary for those in need or community centre for fundraising. The campaign itself raised an epic £3168 in Punch pubs, donated to the Royal Marines charity which supports ex-servicemen in overcoming physical and mental challenges suffered in combat.
Speaking about the initiative, Marketing and Strategy Director, Russell Danks said, ‘’It is great that we can provide a platform for Publicans to recognise their local heroes and all the incredible things people do for others. A fundamental part of our strategy is to make a difference and do good in the communities we operate in. Our pubs contribute hugely to local and national charities. By recognising some of those heroes that go above and beyond in our communities we can showcase how pubs bring people together to support each other.”
Photo: Local Hero, Robin Layfield receiving his award in The Prince Albert Pub by Punch Development Manager, David Symes