The Fox Inn, in Tamworth was officially re-opened on Thursday 16th May by local hero Katie Niblett, following a £50,000 investment.
An idyllic real-ale pub which is popular with families, The Fox Inn has an extensive seasonal food menu and a fine selection of cask ales and beers. The investment has seen a new bar area fitted, wooden flooring installed throughout and an extra seating booth added.
Commenting on the investment and re-opening, General Manager, Andy Matthews, said: “The Fox is a community pub and to celebrate the reopening following our refurbishment, I wanted to give our regulars the chance to nominate someone they thought deserves a few hours of stardom. We ran a competition to find a local hero and Katie was the resounding winner. ”
Katie Niblett was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in September 2018. Sadly her cancer has been deemed inoperable but Katie is continuing her fight against this disease, inspiring people in her local community with her personal Facebook blog, Kick Ass Kate, where she has been documenting her journey.
Katie has also become a passionate campaigner, using her blog to raise awareness of the symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer. Friends and family have been inspired by Katie’s bravery and have got behind a huge fundraising effort to help support her and her family at this difficult time. In spite of her own personal battle with cancer, Katie and her best friend Gemma will be climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of Cancer Research this September.
As well as being the honoured guest for the pub’s official opening, Andy will be treating Katie and her family to a meal on the house.
Responding to her nomination as a local hero, Katie said: “I was quite uncomfortable being nominated as a local hero, because I don’t see myself like that in anyway, but I saw the invitation as an opportunity to tell my story and spread vital awareness of ovarian cancer. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me and to the Fox Inn for treating us to a lovely meal. While it was embarrassing being centre of attention for a few minutes, I hope it might just help educate someone else about this illness”.
Andy added: “We are delighted that Katie was able to help us mark this new era for the pub and that she was able to use the opportunity to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer. We wish her all the very best.”
The Fox Inn is open every day from 12:00.
To support Katie’s hike up Kilimanjaro visit her JustGiving page:
The Fox Inn, Tamworth
Lichfield Road, Tamworth, B79 7SH