A community pub in Hull is celebrating after playing a major role in helping Craft Union Pub Company raise more than £1 million for charity for the second year running, thanks to the incredible efforts of its locals, volunteers and wider community.
The Cross Keys, located on Beverley Road, raised an impressive £63,000 over the past year as part of Craft Union’s nationwide Make It A Million campaign, which sees all Craft Union pubs across the UK fundraising for charities close to their hearts, with every local effort contributing to a collective nationwide total.
Over the last year, the pub supported a wide range of charities, including Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), the Motor Neurone Disease Association, CoppaFeel, Tourette’s Syndrome, Help for Heroes, Men in Sheds and Dove House, with a strong focus on causes tackling mental health, loneliness and supporting vulnerable people in the local area.
Fundraising at the Cross Keys has been driven by a packed calendar of community-led events, including DazFest, a large-scale charity fun day featuring live music, food vans, stalls and sponsored activities, alongside a 24-hour dartathon, a sponsored 10km walk completed by the pub’s football team, and the pub’s popular Monday Club, which continues to bring people together week after week.
DazFest has become the highlight of the year for the pub and the wider community. The event is held in memory of Darren Benstead, who sadly took his own life in December 2023 following a long battle with his mental health. Darren was the brother-in-law of operator Andy Werra’s partner, Kirsten Collinson, making the cause particularly close to home.
In addition to large fundraising events, the Cross Keys works closely with Men in Sheds, a local charity based just across the road from the pub, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men.
The success of the fundraising has been made possible by overwhelming support from local residents, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, stallholders and regulars, who continue to give their time, energy and generosity throughout the year.
Operator of the Cross Keys, Andy Werra, said: “This is exactly why we run our local pub. The amount raised isn’t down to one person, it’s down to our community. Our locals, volunteers, football team and local businesses give absolutely everything to support us and the charities we care about, and they are the real heroes in all of this.
“DazFest, in particular, means so much to us. It’s a way of remembering Darren and turning something incredibly painful into something positive that brings people together. Seeing the community show up year after year, support each other and raise money for causes that really matter is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Craft Union’s Make It A Million campaign brings together all Craft Union pubs nationwide, with every fundraiser, donation and volunteering effort contributing to a shared charity total. This year, the group raised more than £1.35 million, reinforcing the power of community pubs when people come together for a shared purpose.
Following another successful year, the team at the Cross Keys plans to continue its fundraising efforts, with more community events planned to support local and national charities in the months ahead.