1 week Ago
Two Bolton pubs are raising memory of a young girl killed in the Southport attack last July. The Mosley and Bolton Castle are joining other Joseph Holt pubs are supporting the parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe, one of three girls killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class during the attack. Following the tragedy, Elsie's parents, Jenni and David Stancombe, set up Elsie's Story, a charitable trust established to reflect their daughter's "positivity, love for others, and energy of life.
" The trust provides grants to causes for young people and others in Elsie's name. Now, 16 pubs across Bolton and the North West, owned by Joseph Holt, have organised a series of charity events to raise as much money as they can for the cause. The idea for the communal fundraiser came from Jess Lucas, a landlady who had already been raising money for Elsie's Story through her own pub, the Haymarket Pub in Ormskirk.
She did this by selling cards made by 10-year-old Amelia Mawdesley, whose mum, also called Jess, a paediatric nurse, has been a friend of Elsie's mother since school days. Mrs Lucas was also called on professionally after the attack since casualties were brought to the hospital where she works. Inspired by the success of the card sale, Mrs Lucas has now brought together 15 other Joseph Holt pubs to work together with a communal fundraiser.
READ MORE: Widow of Tom Parker moving message to other women who have lost a partner Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson issues emotional update about show's future Average price of a pint to rise above £5 in April amid cost hikes Mrs Lucas said: "We were all devastated by what happened in Southport. "Now, thanks to our pubs and our generous customers, we can do something to remember little Elsie and help others." In a personal letter to Jess, Elsie's mum, Jenni Stancombe, said the support from all involved in the Joseph Holt communal fundraiser meant "the world" to the family.
She said: "In my job outside of the charity, I work with many managers who feel obligated to do community work. "It’s evident that, for you, it’s not just part of your job but something you are genuinely passionate about. "You do an amazing job, so thank you.
" The Joseph Holt brewery, which is based in Cheetham, was established 175 years ago, and has been in the same family for six generations. Mike Gauder, area manager for Joseph Holt, said: "We are very much a family business, and our customers have huge hearts and really value the need to help and support each other. "We were all heartbroken by the devastating events in Southport.
"And hope that through fundraising for Elsie's Story we can remember this little girl and help other children too.".
