Christmas started early for three of the Almond Family Pubs with the end of November seeing the Puss in Boots, Fletchers Arms and Hesketh Tavern playing host to a their Charity Christmas Tree Light Switch On Events.
Hundreds of local families turned out to make the most of the free event put on by the Almond family to help raise money for the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR), a charity which funds research in the rare genetic syndrome, which effects individuals from birth into adulthood. Symptoms include an insatiable appetite resulting in almost constant feelings of hunger along with restricted physical and emotional development.
Entertainment on the evenings included a Santa’s grotto, brass band, face painting and a bouncy castle at two of the pubs and of course the lighting of the 25ft trees. Local businesses gave generously to the extensive raffles, with some staff even donating signed football shirts and footballs for the charity auction.
The total money raised at the events was a massive £2,444 which will go far in such a small and little know charity.
Vicki Almond, one of three directors of Almond Family Pubs and mother of Anabella, who was diagnosed with the syndrome last year said,
“I’m immensely proud to be part of something like this, all events went so well and we’ve had some amazing and touching feedback from the customers that came. Big community events like these are what the pub game is all about for me. Our management and staff did us proud.”