Fundraisers from Brakspear’s Honeycomb Houses pubs completed a gruelling two-day ultra-marathon across the Cotswolds to support MND research and raise thousands for charity.
A determined team from pub operator Brakspear’s Honeycomb Houses division has raised £5,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research after completing a demanding 52-mile sponsored walk across the Cotswolds.
The two-day ultra-marathon saw four fundraisers trek between several Brakspear venues while taking on hills, forests, valleys and countryside trails — all in support of a cause close to their hearts.
The challenge was led by Karl Solomon, general manager of The Sheep on Sheep Street in Stow-on-the-Wold, alongside head housekeeper Sara Stewart, reception and events manager Amy Hay, and operations manager Sophie Wilkinson.
Their fundraising total was significantly boosted through the Brakspear Giving Back programme, which matched donations pound-for-pound.
52 Miles Across the Cotswolds
The walk began at The Sheep on Sheep Street before the team made their way across the Cotswolds, stopping at fellow Honeycomb Houses venues including The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Frogmill in Shipton Oliffe, and The Egypt Mill in Nailsworth.
The challenge finally ended at The Kings Head in Cirencester after two days on foot.
Despite visiting several pubs along the route, the team admitted the challenge was far from a leisurely pub crawl.
“While it was wonderful to be welcomed by our colleagues at each venue, this was definitely a long way from being a pub crawl,” said Sophie Wilkinson.
“We spent far more time walking across fields, hills, forests and valleys than we did in the bar. The scenic Cotswold countryside, and the fact that we were raising funds for such a great cause, more than made up for our sore feet.”
Personal Connection to the Cause
The team chose to support Motor Neurone Disease research because of Sara Stewart’s personal experience with the devastating impact the condition can have on sufferers and their families.
Support poured in from customers, friends, family members and fellow colleagues throughout the fundraising campaign.
“Colleagues, customers, family, and friends have been very supportive,” Sophie added.
“With Brakspear generously matching donations, we’re confident of raising at least £5,000.”
Brakspear Praises Fundraising Effort
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies praised the team’s commitment and highlighted the role pubs continue to play within their local communities.
“Huge congratulations to Sophie and the team from The Sheep on Sheep Street for their efforts in support of such a great cause,” he said.
“Pubs are right at the heart of their communities, and our people do so much to support so many charities.”
“We’re delighted that the Brakspear Giving Back programme is able to increase the impact of all that hard work.”
Brakspear Giving Back Programme
The Brakspear Giving Back initiative supports charity fundraising across the company’s managed, tenanted and leased pubs, as well as activities organised by head office staff.
Pubs can apply for matched funding support, with additional money paid directly to the chosen charity.
Over the past year alone, Brakspear pubs and the Giving Back programme have donated more than £45,000 to local and national good causes.
Conclusion
The challenge may have left the team with sore feet, but their efforts have helped raise vital funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease research while showing the powerful role pubs and hospitality teams continue to play in supporting their communities.
