The Ye Olde Red Lion, on Park Road in Sutton, has raised over £1000 for local charity, One Step at a Time. In an event that took place recently, the pub hosted a family fun day, that bore more of a resemblance to a small festival, to raise money for the group that supports children with physical and mental disabilities, and their families, in the area.
The whole community was involved in making the day the success that it was, whether it was donating prizes, providing entertainment or just turning up for a good time. And there was plenty of fun to be had – from pony rides, face painting and live music, to a raffle, an arts and crafts stand and a cake stall, even Googlebox star, Sandra Martin, came along for the odd selfie and to sign autographs.
The money raised will go towards the day-to-day running of One Step at a Time, a small organisation founded by the Mumford family in 2014, after their son Alfie was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that affected his development. Now, Alfie and his family are at the core of the support group, organising coffee mornings, outings and Clubhouse play days they run out of the garden at their family home.
General Manager of the Ye Olde Red Lion, Erin Griffin, said: “The day was more that we could have hoped for! It really touched my heart seeing all the children having such a wonderful time and the support we had from our community was incredible. We all decided on the day that the Ye Olde Red Lion is going to host the event every year!
“One Step at a Time is particularly close to my heart as – amongst everything else they do for families in Sutton – my son has special needs and frequently takes part in the events they organise. So, I can speak first-hand for the positive impact they have given us as a family. The Mumfords make what can be a very lonely and scary time, a lot more manageable through the support network they have built within their charity. I will be forever grateful!”
Ye Olde Red Lion, 17 Park Road, Sutton SM3 8QB