South East

Dog and Duck

Kingsfold, West Sussex

When Danny and Sara Shaw took over the Dog and Duck a year ago, they decided that fundraising would be focused on helping St George's hospital in Tooting, south-west London. The decision was based on the help the hospital gave to their son Kieran, who was born two and a half years ago with his oesophagus attached to his lungs instead of his stomach. Kieran received an emergency operation at the hospital that saved his life.

Regulars join in

Under Danny and Sara's leadership, regulars have done everything they can to help raise funds towards the £6m needed to provide the two children's wards with equipment.

Danny says: "We sit every night and come up with ideas for the next fundraising event - every customer has managed to come up with at least one idea. They all love chatting to Kieran and I think that provides a good incentive for them. We take the fundraising very seriously, but we have fun doing it at the same time."

Plenty of fun

The activities that have been undertaken at the Hall & Woodhouse tenancy include sponsored walks, head shaving for both men and women, chest waxing, games nights and a knock-out darts competition. Another popular event was a beer festival held over a bank holiday weekend, with 20p on every pint sold going to St George's. The festival was accompanied by family games such as rounders and a quiz based on the TV series Family Fortunes.

Willing helpers

Sara and Danny say all their regulars are willing helpers, such as one who brings in old books to the pub, which are then sold, with a small donation going to the pub's charity. Others sell photographs, chutneys and jams to help swell the coffers. Customers also donate toys for the play areas in the children's wards at St George's.

Last September, the couple handed over £2,500 to the hospital from five months'

fundraising. The Shaws hope to raise

another £10,000 by next September.