The Highlands Pubs raises thousands for Brian House Hospice

Over the past year, staff and customers at The Highlands, Bispham, have more than doubled a target to raise £3,436 to pay for a whole day’s care at Brian House Children’s Hospice.

The pub has been fundraising for Trinity Hospice and Brian House and decided to “go big” for the children’s hospice 21st birthday year in 2017.

Sharon said: “There were brainstorming sessions with the staff to try and come up with new ways of raising money, the idea of a static cycle ride was raised – and became an epic 100 days to Oz challenge.”

Sharon’s daughter Ashleigh lives in Dubbo, Australia, and two exercise bikes, with mile counters, were set up for customers to hop on and do a stint – to cover the 10,388 miles between Bispham and Dubbo in 100 days. The efforts on the bikes were topped up with raffles, quizzes and entertainment evenings.

Sharon said: “We had one customer who clocked up a staggering 1,000km and another who came in and rode 47km on his 47th birthday. They’ve been amazing, as have all the customers who have bought raffle tickets, and the artistes who supported our events at no cost. It’s been a real team effort.”

The target to raise enough money for a day’s care at Brian House was smashed – the total is currently at £8,200.

Janet Atkins, senior fundraiser at Trinity, said: “People do all sorts of things for us, but if they want lessons in how to motivate people to give money and enjoy themselves in the process, they should go to the Highlands. Sharon and her team came up with one great idea after another and inspired customers and friends to get involved. They have done Brian House proud, paying for respite care for 80 of the most fragile children in our community.”