Managers and staff from pubs in and around Newcastle, together with regional and area managers, are pictured celebrating yet another amazing fundraising milestone for CLIC Sargent.
Wetherspoon’s staff and customers have continued their incredible fundraising efforts in support of the charity to reach a fantastic £18 million for children and young people with cancer.
Pictured at The Harry Clasper (Whickham) are (left to right) shift manager Toni Fitzgerald (The Mile Castle, Newcastle), CLIC Sargent volunteer Alistair Watson, Wetherspoon’s regional manager Jane Sexton, pub manager Tyler Hudson (The Harry Clasper), Wetherspoon’s area manager John Hudson and team leaders Michelle Cuthbertson and Jo Cox (both The Harry Clasper).
The pub was the chosen venue for the celebrations because it raised more than £6,500, during 2019, as part of general manager Alistair Broome’s ‘12 challenges in 12 months’ challenge.
One of the highlights during last year, Alistair took on 12 fundraisers in support of the 12 children and young people diagnosed with cancer each day; in doing so, he generated an incredible £25,000.
Throughout last year, Alistair also encouraged his region to take part in fundraising events, including a region-wide bikeathon, darts competition and the company’s annual five-a-side football tournament – KICK for CLIC Sargent.
Together, the region raised more than £350,000, contributing hugely to this latest milestone, the £18 million which Wetherspoon has collected to date, during 17 fabulous fundraising years.
Alistair said: “I set myself a challenge in my 50th year to complete 12 fundraising challenges linked to the 12 families who hear the devastating news that their child has cancer.
“With a massive amount of support from the Wetherspoon family, we have managed to raise an incredible amount.
“Reaching £18 million is a fantastic achievement – and I hope it won’t be long before we hit the next milestone.”
CLIC Sargent’s lead account manager, Liz Lowrey, added: “We are delighted to be celebrating this incredible fundraising milestone with our long-standing partner Wetherspoon.
“The support and dedication of staff and their pub communities continue to amaze us, year on year, and we are incredibly grateful to Alistair and his region’s fantastic fundraising efforts over the past year.
“The funds raised make a huge difference to what we can do to support children and young people with cancer – and their families.
“CLIC Sargent is there from diagnosis onwards to provide grants, as well as help, such as social workers who give practical and emotional support, along with Homes from Home near hospitals, where parents can stay during their child’s treatment.”