The Cross Keys in Hull has raised an incredible £12,849 for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), following its annual DazFest fundraiser.
Around 150 to 180 people came together at the pub on Endike Lane for the family fun day, which is held in memory of Darren Benstead and organised by his partner, Kharis Collinson, alongside her twin sister and pub operator Kirsten Collinson and Kirsten’s partner and fellow Cross Keys operator Andy Werra.
Darren died in December 2023 after a long battle with his mental health, and DazFest was created after the pub team discussed what they could do to help others access the support he never had.
CALM’s work to challenge the stigma around mental health and encourage potentially life-saving conversations immediately resonated with them. Since then, Andy, Kirsten and Kharis have continued to champion the charity through the pub’s fundraising efforts.
This year’s DazFest was the biggest yet. Ten local small businesses set up stalls, while a dedicated CALM area featured games, merchandise and a tombola. Live singers performed throughout the day, alongside a caricaturist and selfie booth. Characters including Buzz, Woody and Stitch also made an appearance.
A huge raffle featured around 70 donated prizes, alongside a main prize donated by RH Electricals worth £1,500. Further prizes included a two-night stay in Whitby, a Men in Sheds bench and a signed and framed Hull City 2026/27 shirt.
Darren is remembered by his family as a huge character whose confidence and energy could light up a room. Known for his loud personality, sense of humour and questionable dance moves, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Above all, he was a devoted dad to Hunter and Harper. The family hopes its work with CALM will create a lasting legacy in his name.
Previous events include a sponsored football match which saw 17 pub regulars take part in a 60-minute game against the pub’s football clubs, raising another £500. Other events have included charity bingo, a 24-hour darts marathon and sponsored walks.
Andrew Werra, Operator of the Cross Keys, said: “We’re incredibly proud that together we’ve raised £12,849 in Darren’s memory. The response from everyone who has donated, volunteered or simply turned up has been overwhelming.
“Darren was a huge character and the kind of person who stayed with you long after you’d met him. We’d give anything to have him here with us, but seeing the difference his legacy is making through CALM gives us a real sense of purpose and helps ensure that others can access the support he never had.”
The Cross Keys also hosts activities throughout the year to add to the total. Its popular weekly Monday Club, which brings together up to 60 people for an afternoon of bingo, games and fundraising, has raised £665 for CALM this year. Money from the opening charity game is split between the winner and the charity.
The family’s efforts have also been recognised by CALM, as the charity invited them to share their ‘Reason for Hope’ as part of a special garden display at the Badminton Flower Show. The installation featured 16 messages of hope, representing the 16 lives lost to suicide every day, and encouraged visitors to reflect on what helps them keep going during life’s most challenging moments.
Kirsten Collinson said: “The highlight of DazFest for me was seeing just how much support and love people continue to show for Darren. Whether it was making a donation, helping us put the decorations up in the morning or simply turning up on the day, every gesture meant so much. Knowing that so many people came together in his memory was overwhelming.
“The event gets bigger every year, and that support helps us continue raising awareness and funds for CALM. Seeing the community come together in Darren’s memory means the world to me, my sister and Andy, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in raising this incredible amount. I think from a customer’s point of view, being able to throw water balloons at Andy, will have definitely been up there for them!”