Village pub raises £15,000 for local causes in a year

4:49pm Wednesday 22nd July 2009

By Paola Dellafiora

An Abbots Langley pub that has only been opened a year has raised more than £15,000 for deserving causes.

Since it opened its door last summer the Royal Oak in Kitters Green has been busy fundraising for a number of local individuals and organisations including, the Peace Hospice, the Hospice of St Francis and the Watford boxing club.

The pub’s most successful event was a Snail Race night in February, which raised £7,628,20 for youngster Daniel Woods, of Pryor Close, who needed a new wheelchair.

Manager Raymond Dicastiglione said: “Our first year has been really successful. We set out to be a family pub and that is what we are doing. Our aim is to involve everyone in the community.

“The turn out for Daniel’s race night was amazing. The pub was packed with friends, family and villagers. Without everyone’s support we would not have reached our target.” The fun-filled evening, sponsored by w3data.com, involved betting on cartoon snails followed by a raffle.

Organiser Gary Meale said: “The response from the village was fantastic. The evening was a true reflection of community spirit. Despite the recession everyone showed tremendous support.”

Daniel’s father Ian said the wheelchair has made "every difference" to his 18-year-old son’s life, giving him more mobility and freedom.

Earlier this month landlady Natasha Reed completed a 12,000ft skydive in aid of Meningitis UK and has so far raised nearly £4,000.

The mother-of-three said: “Our son was struck down by meningitis when he was just six weeks old. Nothing could have prepared my husband and I for when William was ill, no child or parent should have to go through that.

“Thankfully William was one of the lucky ones and we now have our gorgeous, happy, healthy boy. Unfortunately, there are an awful lot of children who aren’t as fortunate.”

Natasha added: “I did the jump with my friend Mandy - her boyfriend’s cousin has unbearably lost two children to this horrendous disease.

“To say I was petrified on the run up to it would be an understatement but it was the most incredible experience ever. I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who has sponsored me, but it’s still not too late.”

The pub is keen to support local causes for more information visit www.theroyaloakabbotslangley.co.uk or to sponsor Natasha visit www.justgiving.com/tashareed/