Pub plans day of fun in memory of former worker who died of cancer aged 36 (From Watford Observer)

Wellington Arms staff past and present gather to remember former colleague

4:51pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A pub in Watford is holding a fundraiser at the weekend to raise money for The Peace Hospice and to remember a former worker who passed away from cancer.

Past and present staff at the Wellington Arms in Woodford Road, will hold the fundraiser on Saturday, September 15, in memory of mother-of-four Jo Batchelor, 36, who worked at the pub for 10 years and who died in May.

The fundraiser hopes to raise £2,500 towards the Peace Hospice, with supporters taking part in a sponsored bike ride from Cheltenham and a sponsored walk from St Albans, with walkers dressed as doctors and
nurses on the same day.

Cath Maguire, daytime manager at the Wellington Arms and one of the organisers of the fundraiser, said: "Jo was a very lovely lady and ex-members of staff along with present staff have come together to keep her memory alive.

"It is also our way of saying ‘thank you’ to The Peace Hospice, who looked after her."

The pub has already raised £800 through people buying raffle tickets and is well on their way to achieving its target.

On Saturday night, there will also be a race night and karaoke including all of Jo's favourite songs.

Warren Baker, owner of the pub, said: "We are expecting to see many customers come along to the fundraiser who remember Jo."

The fundraiser is set to begin at 7pm and to end the night, staff will set off Chinese lanterns in Jo’s memory.