Joseph Holt fundraising

The funds raised by Joseph Holt Brewery are handed over to Francis House Children’s Hospice at the Lord Nelson, Urmston

 

Joseph Holt Brewery has beaten its target and raised more than £90,000 at the end of an 18-month fundraising campaign for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

More than 128 Joseph Holt pubs, plus free trade customers, supported the brewery pledge in 2015 to raise over £50,000 for the Didsbury hospice.

A presentation event was held recently at one of the top fundraising pubs, the Lord Nelson, in Urmston, when Joseph Holt chief executive, Richard Kershaw, revealed that the target was surpassed by £42,392, making the grand total raised £92,392.

The fundraisers organised fun days and beer festivals, and the brewery staff tackled sporting challenges, including the Great North Run.

Last Christmas, three Joseph Holt pubs banded together to collect donations of toys, selection boxes, books and colouring pens for the hospice and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

Richard Kershaw said: “We set out to raise 50k and we have eclipsed our initial target to raise over £90,000. I am so proud of all our pub managers, suppliers and customers, and of course the team at Joseph Holt. It’s a great achievement, and once again demonstrates everyone’s commitment to supporting a local charity.

“The appeal has been an outstanding success, proving that Joseph Holt pubs really are at the heart of the community.”

The brewery, founded in 1849, also took to social media to drum up support by adding a JustGiving page to drive donations from customers to help raise funds and promote the community events.

David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House, said: “On behalf of Francis House and the 1,200 families who receive care and support, I would like to express our thanks to you all for raising a phenomenal amount of money.

“We are incredibly grateful for all your hard work, and it has been a pleasure working with Joseph Holt and meeting some of you on fundraising walks and events throughout the year. It is a brilliant achievement and thank you to all involved.”