Wales
Bryncoch Inn
Neath, Glamorgan
Craig and Janet Wigley have two callings - one is running the Mitchells & Butlers-owned Bryncoch Inn and the other is raising money for charity.
The couple's fundraising feats are legendary and have led to the Bryncoch winning M&B's "Hearts of the Community" top award two years running and receiving £20,000 to donate to charity.
Six-figure sum
By Craig's reckoning, last year 20 charities benefited from the generosity of the inn's customers. Such is the number of good causes supported that Craig has to refer to a folder containing details of the events and the numerous thank-you letters received when he recalls the Bryncoch's fundraising achievements.
The Wigleys estimate that about £100,000 has been raised over the past two years.
Janet says: "Fundraising has become a way of life. We always say that if we can help somebody, we will - it's as simple as that."
From normal to bizarre
Raising funds is done in a variety of ways. There is the normal route of quizzes, raffles, donation boxes and sponsoring walks and marathons. More unusual events have included a duck race, car boot sale, tractor rally, charity dinner and a competition to guess the mileage clocked up during a round-Britain drive by a local resident.
An example of the very unusual was a David Blaine-style evening when customers paid to keep Craig in a cage.
To ensure maximum interest for a forthcoming event, Craig and Janet make
announcements over the pub's PA system and put up posters as reminders. The Wigleys have formed good connections with the local media, which they use to drum up
interest among the wider community.
Fundraising is only part
The couple's commitment doesn't stop with raising money. One of the pub's chosen charities is the local Boy Scouts group, which needs a new club house.
Craig has been cajoling local businesses and suppliers to provide goods and services for nothing or, at most, cost price. He even managed to get a solicitor to waive his fees.
Fundraising has become so ingrained at the Bryncoch that Craig says: "I just can't
imagine not doing it."
