Each year we take on a charity challenge with our sister pubs, with the aim of raising money for a couple of selected charities. Last month the team completed this year’s event, which was in aid of The Meath and Only A Pavement Away.
Here at The Stag, we have been supporting The Meath Epilepsy Charity since January 2019. In that time we have been busy getting to know what this charity’s team of fundraisers, care workers and specialists were up to, right under our very noses, only 8 minutes down the road.
After a tour of the centre, which was inspiring and eye-opening, it was clear to see there is so much more on offer than basic care for those suffering from severe epilepsy and associated disabilities; their team ensure the residents have the best quality of life possible, while receiving the world-class care for their unique needs. Care packages cover basics, so the charity rely on fundraising to offer the well-rounded variety of stimulating, engaging activities which make it a hugely popular place for people to come to live and receive respite care.
Jurassic by name, Jurassic by nature
This year’s charity fundraising event was a monster of a challenge, an epic, dinosaur-scaled challenge if you will!
A 20-strong team of Red Mist staff and suppliers of the business, including Carlsberg, Mozzo Coffee, 1st Call Trees and Wellington Estate walked over 100k of the gruelling, undulating and unforgiving Jurassic Coastline in Dorset in just 2.5 days, which raised over £15k in donations in just four weeks for Only a Pavement Away and The Meath Epilepsy Charity.
To support this summer charity challenge in the run up to the event, all our sisters pubs across Hampshire and Surrey donated 50p from every pie sold, plus Tilford Brewery, in collaboration with Windsor & Eton brewery, created a special Jurassic Coast Ale (3.9%), which donated a further 20p from every pint sold during the months of June and July.
The team of 20 set off in the early afternoon of Thursday 4th July, quickly realising the scale of the task ahead. The terrain was tricky almost immediately, with steep inclines and declines which were not apparent when the route was planned. What was expected to take a few hours on the first day, continued well into the evening, until they were forced to stop due to the loss of light.
Day two was not without it’s surprises either! A shingle beach stretched for miles, straining their already tired legs and blistered feet, but each and every participant has said their determination was driven by the knowledge of how they were a small cog in a fundraising effort to help two great charities.
The Stag Pub Manager, Ben, commented:
“It was a gruelling few days, and I have the blisters to prove it, but I am proud of our efforts and the money we have raised for The Meath (and Only A Pavement Away). Having been to their centre in Godalming, I have seen first hand where that money will go and how happy the residents are. It’s a fantastic cause for us to have supported, and close to the hearts of many of our local customers here in Godalming.”
Throughout the year The Meath are busy running a variety of fundraising events, from open air film screenings and charity golf days to their awareness-spreading Purple Day which saw Godalming’s Pepperpot transformed with a sea of knitted purple hearts.
Help us continue to support The Meath and join us for their Charity Quiz Night here at The Stag on Thursday 26th September. Find out more and book tickets here.