£10k raised for emergency staff ‘to have a drink’ after terror attack

As a way of saying "thank you", London businessman Ed Hall created a crowdfunding site on Tuesday morning (23 May) because “people working shifts after a bombing shouldn’t buy their own drinks”.

Hall had originally appealed for £1,000 by 5pm to be put behind the bar at the Turing Tap, a pub adjacent to Manchester Royal Infirmary owned by Stonegate Pub Company, which, in addition, promised to provide free food for the heroic staff.

Due to a large response, the deadline was extended to this morning (24 May) with the amount reaching £10,705 from 653 supporters at the time The Morning Advertiser​ newsletter went to press.

Phenomenal amount raised​

A Stonegate spokesman said due to the “phenomenal” figure, the funds would be distributed to more of its pubs surrounding other hospitals, fire and police stations that had staff members who helped after the suicide bombing.

In his crowdfunding page, Hall – who put £100 behind the bar – wrote: “I listened to the awful news this morning and thought I'd like to put a few quid behind the bar at a pub near the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

“I know alcohol isn't the answer to the stress and trauma that the emergency services have experienced today, but it seems a simple and easy way to say thank you.”

A great tribute​

Prime Minister Theresa May described the suicide attack, which killed 22 people, as “one of the worst ever experienced in British history”. There are also 20 people currently still in critical condition and 64 more injured.

Stonegate area manager Zoe O’Sullivan added: “We thank our emergency services for the huge efforts following the tragic events on Monday night.

“Honouring staff from Manchester Royal Infirmary is a great tribute but knowing how many more NHS staff we can now thank is incredible.”