THE charitable team at the Golden Lion pub in Rochford have raised more than £16,00 over 14 years for a children’s hospice.

The pub team raised a toast after achieving a total of £16,000 for Little Havens.

For the past 14 years, The Golden Lion, in North Street, has organised annual summer fundraisers and Christmas raffles and has invited customers and staff to take part for a donation towards Little Havens Hospice.

“My sister works for the hospice as a volunteer and she said, when I took over, to raise money for them. I did what I was told,” laughed John Harmon, the pub owner.

“Now we raise money with events in the year such as cricket matches and barbecues, we always have something lined up.”

John worked in hospitality all of his life and in 2009 his decided to buy the pub.

“We are known for our real ales, that is what we do best,” said John.

Now he runs the pub along with his dedicated team including manger Margaret Foley.

The Grade II listed is situated within a row of weatherboarded timber cottages and holds many stories from the past.

“It is a 400 year old building with a lot of history. It pub used to be a tailors a long time ago and in the fifties it became a Taylor Walker pub,” said John.

The consistent and dedicated fundraising has made a big difference to the hospice.

Su Harrison, fundraising officer at Havens Hospices said: “We can’t thank Margaret, John, all the staff and customers of the Golden Lion pub enough for their incredible generosity.

“Year after year we are blown away by their support. Little Havens doesn’t charge a penny for any of its specialist care and that’s only thanks to the amazing support from our communities and businesses like The Golden Lion.”

The money raised helps Little Havens provide palliative nursing and supportive care to babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex.

To find out more about Havens Hospices and how to get involved in fundraising, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk.

For details on the pub and for updates on events search “Golden Lion Rochford” on Facebook or call 01702 545487.