Huncote regulars raise thousands for Rainbows

Regulars at a Huncote village pub are aiming to smash their fundraising target of £30,000 for Rainbows by the end of the year.

Staff and customers at the Red Lion pub, in Main Street, have been fundraising for us for the past four years. To date they have collected £28,000 and they are determined to raise even more.

Sadly in 2013, landlord Steve McMullen passed away and instead of funeral flowers, his wife, Tina, asked for donations to our hospice. More than £1,800 was raised. In Steve’s memory, an annual fundraising music festival called Lion Roars for Rainbows was set up. Tina and her regulars also organise a range of fundraisers from bingo to quiz nights to Northern Soul evenings.

Tina said: “Everything we do is for Rainbows. It is amazing how much we have raised in the last few years and at Rainbows, you can see where your money goes. I have been to Rainbows and I think it is a lovely place. It isn’t all doom and gloom and I am in admiration of everyone who works there.

“We couldn’t do it without everyone at the pub. Everyone pulls together and they are so supportive of Rainbows. I always say I have two families, my family and my Red Lion family.”

Another arm of the fundraising group is the Red Lion Walkers, which was set up five years ago by Brian Earp. The group meets monthly but once a year, they all take on a sponsored walk, collectively raising money for Rainbows. Their next walk will be on Sunday 14 May. It will start in Loughborough Town Centre and cover 22 miles to the Red Lion.

Brian has completed many challenges including trekking in Kathmandu. Four years ago, Brian walked a section of the Pennine Way for his 70^th birthday with fellow fundraisers Colin Orton, Dave Bolton and Henrick Jefferson. On that trip they all raised enough money to buy a multi-sensory train, which was named Brian and takes pride of place in our Children’s Lounge.

Brian (74) said: “We wanted to raise money for a charity that was close to people’s hearts. I think to myself, I have had a good life and I think of the children and their struggles and want to do all I can to support them.

“It is a fantastic crowd in the pub and everyone gets behind everything we do. Without the support of everyone, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Information about all of the events can be found in the pub or on its Facebook page.