The Holly Bush in Redbourn held a successful fundraising event in aid of mental health, collecting £4,200 for charity MIND on one activity-packed day in May.

Landlord and Licensee Gordon and Graeme Dickens held a fundraising event in response to the tragic death last year of Maria, Graeme’s mother, which followed on from the earlier death of a former student of Graeme’s – when he was a sports teacher – who also lost his battle with mental health issues. The 19 year-old was an outstanding sportsman whilst at school so a Charity Football Match on FA Cup Final Day appeared to be an excellent way of commemorating the sadly cut short lives of two very different individuals.

After the match, with players in strips carrying the MIND logo and the name of the pupil, everyone came back to the Holly Bush to watch the FA Cup Final before an evening raffle and auction.

Graeme said, “We had some fabulous prizes, including Watford and Luton football strips, a shirt signed by England player Dele Alli, a round of golf locally and a hamper of drink.  We’re grateful to the generosity of local businesses, and customers who bought tickets or bid for prizes.”

He added, “We know MIND will put the money raised to good use. We’re a community pub and we wanted to do our bit to support the estimated 1 in 4 people who sadly struggle with mental health issues.”