Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to combating Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Since April 2022, Stonegate’s managed pub network and support and operational teams have collaborated to raise an impressive £500,000 in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and MND Scotland.
To commemorate the milestone and to highlight Stonegate’s ongoing efforts to support the charities, a cheque presentation event was held at The Fatling in Hornchurch on Wednesday 8 May.
Stonegate Group CEO, David McDowall, was in attendance, along with General Manager at The Fatling, Sandy Castle, plus representatives from the MND Association.
David McDowell, CEO at Stonegate Group, said: “I’m proud to say that we have raised an incredible £500,000 for our corporate charity partners, the MND Association and MND Scotland. It demonstrates our collective commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by motor neurone disease. Together, via our incredible pub teams and wonderful colleagues in our support teams, we’ve not only raised funds but also awareness. Thank you to everyone involved for your tireless efforts and generosity.”
The Fatling pub was chosen as the hosting venue for the cheque presentation due to its standout fundraising efforts under the leadership of Sandy Castle, who has operated the much-loved local pub for over 12 years. The Fatling pub team have hosted a huge array of charity events for MND over the past three years, showing their unwavering commitment to the cause and raising significant and much-needed funds for MND.
Charity activities taken part in by the Stonegate community have ranged from epic walks along the South-East, conquering 30 miles of the great British Jurassic Coastline, to hosting dinner dances, quizzes, raffles and much more. The collective efforts of the Stonegate community have allowed the company to top amazing fundraising milestones, including hitting the £250,000 mark for MND last May, doubling the figure in year two.
Stonegate’s fundraising efforts align closely with the company’s newly defined mission of ‘bringing people together’. Recently, Stonegate introduced its updated mission, supported by distinct pillars and core values, alongside an innovative initiative. Teams across the organisation were encouraged to create videos demonstrating how they embody the pillars and values. For each video submitted, Stonegate committed to donating £100 to the MND Association. The response was substantial, with 66 videos submitted, resulting in a total donation of £6,600 to the charity.
Chris James, Director of External Affairs at the MND Association said: “Today has been a wonderful opportunity to meet and thank Stonegate employees who have contributed to this incredible total to support people affected by motor neurone disease (MND). Throughout the partnership with the MND Association, we’ve seen a multitude of innovative and creative fundraising challenges from Stonegate and these look set to continue over the coming months – all of which will further our vital support for people affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Fundraising at MND Scotland, said: “We could not directly support people in Scotland with MND or fund vital research without the support of our amazing fundraisers. We are so grateful to the Stonegate Group for the partnership and the generosity of the team and all the customers who have contributed to the incredible total raised. This will go a long way to helping make time count for people with MND.”
The company remains dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by motor neurone disease by ongoing fundraising activities throughout the year.