The Par Inn, Par, Cornwall, was named as Prostate Cancer UK’s favourite pub after raising more than £4,000 for the charity through a barbeque, two auctions, a raffle, card games, bar food and donations.
The pub beat off stiff competition from more than 350 others to take the crown and licensee Matt Bailey said he couldn’t believe they had won but was over the moon they had.
He was inspired to get involved in the campaign after a regular customer was diagnosed with prostate cancer and gave information about the pop-up pub fundraiser, Men United Arms to him.
Bailey added: “It has been such a great couple of months and despite being quite competitive, regardless of whether we had won in the end or not, it has been great to see everyone come together and get involved.
“Having the connection to the cause as well and seeing how prostate cancer has affected someone close to us, has been the driving force for putting everything in we could to raise as much money as possible.
Going bigger and better
Bailey put the fundraising success down to his regulars and said: “So many customers have really gone all out and joined in with so many different ways and it is down to them that we have won.
“Roll on next year as we hope to go even bigger and better!”
Following last year’s launch of the Men United Arms, Prostate Cancer UK called on pubs to host fundraising events to help save men’s lives.
As one of the highest fundraisers, the pub was among five shortlisted entries and put forward to a judging panel of experts who were thoroughly impressed with the pub’s efforts and dedication.
The panel including The Morning Advertiser’s food and drink editor Nicholas Robinson, MasterChef star Gregg Wallace, Spirit Pub Company former chief executive Mike Tye, Pub Aid’s James Cuthbertson and Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Angela Culhane.
Culhane said: “The Par Inn sounds like a real community hub with a uniting factor, not only in being a great pub, but also in their dedication to make a difference for a great cause.”
Putting fun into fundraising
She added: “It definitely sounds like they put the fun into fundraising!
“They are very deserving of being named our favourite local and I want to thank Matt and the team for raising such a huge amount of money.”
According to the charity’s statistics, one man an hour dies from prostate cancer in the UK and, based on current trends, this number will soar to 14,500 men a year if prostate cancer is ignored and nothing is done to help prevent it.
Culhane continued: “Whether supporting the cause through a quiz night or through an alternative fundraiser at your pub or in your local community, just like the Par Inn, you will be helping us push for a real change in men.”
MasterChef’s Wallace praised the pub and said: “My type of people. When can I visit?”
The Morning Advertiser has supported the Men United Arms campaign and raised £9,000 at The Publican Awards earlier this year (March).