Generous restaurant staff have raised an incredible £15,000 for an Alexandria charity in support of a brave Vale boy.
Marston’s Queen of the Loch in Balloch drummed up support from another 40 restaurants in the chain from across the UK to organise a host of fundraisers for young Aaron Hunter.
The six-year-old is one of only 100 people in the world diagnosed with rare and life-limiting disorder ROHHAD and his determined parents are set on raising funds to find a cure.
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Elisabeth and Ian Hunter launched charity ROHHAD Association, which aims to fund research that will lead to new treatments and, one day, a cure.
Their story touched the heart of Paul Young, manager of the Balloch restaurant, who pledged to get behind the family and get the company on board.
Around 30 staff members from across Scotland and the north of England descended on Balloch for Walk the High Road which saw them hike 19 miles from the restaurant to Luss and back.
Paul said: “It went really well. We are still tallying up how much was raised but we believe we have collectively raised in the region of £15,000 so far which also includes a quiz night and family fun day.
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“We are hoping to raise more and we expect that Marston’s as a company will also make a contribution.
“The walk was tough and by the last few miles, we all really felt it. It was a challenge but it was all made worthwhile when we saw Aaron waiting for us at the finish line.
“He presented medals to us all and that gave the team a huge boost.”
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Marston’s are still running a raffle and are also selling wristbands at the restaurant in support of the charity.
Mum Elisabeth is thrilled with the support, saying: “As a family and on behalf of all the families affected by ROHHAD we are deeply grateful for Marstons fundraising for the ROHHAD Association.
“We took Aaron along to see them finish their 19 mile walk and he was so happy to cheer them on at the finish line. Aaron presented them all with their own medals and he said thank you to them for helping him.”
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