Pontefract pub raises more than £2,300 to support Leeds General Infirmary

The popular Pontefract pub, located on Market Place, is known for its impressive fundraising events designed to engage the community.

Now, the team have united the community once again, raising vital funds through a raffle and auction for Leeds General Infirmary.

For pub operator Dawn Chapman, and her team, supporting the hospital is a cause close to their hearts due to the recent treatment that friend of the pub, John Szabo, had received.

John was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and went on to make a full recovery thanks to the care he received at Leeds General Infirmary.

With Leeds General being just a half hour drive from Pontefract, many guests had first-hand experience of being treated at the hospital or visited a loved one there and witnessed the incredible work the hospital does.

This encouraged the community to rally together when operator, Dawn Chapman, wanted to help raised funds to say thank you for everything the hospital does.

Before Dawn knew it, Pam Keir and Neil Norton, who are regulars at the pub, donated a Leeds United shirt signed by Leeds’ legend Raphinha, who was recently nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

This drove even more donations including framed signed photos of Leeds stars from across the years and Challenge Cup Final tickets.

Pub operator, Dawn Chapman, said: “To see the community come together to support such an important cause that’s very close to a lot of us from the Yorkshire area is a prime example of what makes our community so brilliant.

“John couldn’t speak more highly of the treatment and care he received at Leeds General Infirmary, and we all wanted to do something to show our gratitude for the incredible work all the staff at the hospital do, which is why we chose to fundraise for them.

“We’d like to extend our thanks to all the local businesses who donated raffle prizes alongside our guests, Pam Keir and Neil Norton, for donating the items to the raffle which really helped persuade people to donate, not that they needed much persuasion!

"As the total we got to would not have been possible without their generosity!”