Boxer Barry McGuigan praises JD Wetherspoon’s £9m for children’s cancer charity

JD Wetherspoon has hit a fundraising milestone after raising £9m for CLIC Sargent.

The company has been supporting the children and young people’s cancer charity for 12 years with staff regularly taking part in challenges, fundraising events and collections.

One of the highlights over the last few months was a darts tournament, which raised more than £140,000 and involved 380 pub teams. Staff also transformed their hair for the day by taking part in CLIC Sargent’s Wig Wednesday event, raising £54,800.

Pub employees are now working towards the £10m milestone with plans to raise at least £500,000 with the fundraising football event Kick, which will see dozens Wetherspoon’s pubs across the country competing.

CLIC Sargent patron and former boxer Barry McGuigan accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity.

He said: “This is an incredible amount of money that has been raised by JD Wetherspoon. I’m so impressed with the determination and dedication shown by staff and customers to support this fantastic charity."

Wetherspoon's founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “It’s a wonderful achievement by our staff and customers and I’m delighted we have now reached the £9m milestone.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before we celebrate reaching £10million as JD Wetherspoon is passionate about supporting this fantastic charity and the work it does supporting children and young people with cancer.”