Pub raises thousands in honour of fallen soldier

Staff and customers at pub that were left devastated when a regular died in Afghanistan have helped raise a staggering £40,000 for injured soldiers.

Mick and Jackie Bray, managers of Spirit pub the Malt Bray in Baildon, West Yorkshire, started raising funds for Help for Heroes at the beginning of the year.

But the efforts became even more poignant after 22-year-old Jordan Rossi was killed in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand Province a few weeks ago.

Mick said: "I have known Jordon since he was 12 years old. His mum lives in the village and as you would expect she is absolutely devastated.

"It brings home just how important raising this money is. These people come home injured and get let down by the same people who send them out to put their lives on the line."

Since January Mick and Jackie, who also manage another nearby Spirit pub, the Angel, have put on a host of events such as football tournaments and music gigs to raise cash.

After being so successful they are now co-ordinating fundraising events for the cause at other Spirit pubs in the region.

Last week they handed over a cheque for £40,811 to Help for Heroes, but have vowed to carry on with their efforts until the end of the year.

Mick continued: "I think it is something everyone can relate to because so many people know someone who is out there or someone who has been injured."

Spirit retail director Richard Carter said: "We are absolutely stunned at the level of energy and commitment demonstrated by our general managers, pub teams and their customers in this fundraising activity.

"This is a fantastic achievement and we are extremely proud and grateful to everyone involved. It just shows what can be achieved when teams all pull together for one very worthy cause. Our teams are continuing to support Help for Heroes - there is still fundraising activity going on so we look forward to seeing that £40k continue to rise!"

Help for Heroes funds recovery centres in the UK for injured soldiers. For more information visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk​