Regulars jump into replace cash
BIG-HEARTED regulars have dug deep into their pockets to replace charity cash stolen by thieves from a Gomersal pub.
As reported in the Guardian last month, a jar of money in memory of teenager Kayleigh Edgar was taken by the burglars who broke into the Bankfield in Bleak Street.
The money was going to be given to Kayleigh's friends, Sam Wells and Sarah Heppenstall, who are planning a trek to Everest's base camp in aid of the British Heart Foundation in her memory.
Kayleigh died from a heart condition three years ago, just before her 18th birthday.
The theft devastated Kayleigh's family, including her mum, Carol Jagger, who works behind the bar.
However Gomersal folk rallied round and organised a fun day at the pub which raised around the same amount as was stolen.
The day included a sponsored skip by two Bankfield regulars – Gary Amos and Russell Gray – one of whom did it in a thong!
Carol said: "Gary skipped for about 15 minutes in a thong and Russell skipped for about an hour, but fully clothed!
"It was absolutely brilliant. They brought the house down.
"We also served food and did a tombola, and now we're inviting people to pay 1 to guess how much we've raised, and the winner will receive a gallon of ale.
"The response to what happened was incredible. One gentleman came into the pub after he'd read about it in the Guardian and wanted to donate an oil painting to raffle. A lady came up to me when I was walking my dog, said how despicable it was and gave me 5, while another couple came into the pub, said how sorry they were and gave us an enormous box of chocolates.
"It's really humbling and goes to show that the scumbags who stole the money will not win.
"My husband Richard, my daughter Claire and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their incredible support, and especially to Lesley and Graham Holroyd, who run the Bankfield, for their generosity."
Lesley said: "People have been queueing up to help, it's just been amazing, and we're so grateful. We'd also like the gentleman who donated the painting to know that Graham and I bought it so it won't leave the pub.
"There are so many decent people around and it restores your faith in human nature."
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
