Seven dedicated Stonegate Group colleagues laced up their running shoes alongside more than 14,000 people to take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday 12 May in support of the company’s charity partner, the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow has become a beloved symbol of resilience in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease since his diagnosis in 2019, inspiring countless individuals with his determination and remarkable fundraising efforts.
Since then, Burrow and his family have been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for those affected by the disease. One major event contributing to this cause is the annual Leeds Marathon.
From seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, each member of the Stonegate Group team took part with a collective spirit of compassion and determination. The Stonegate team included:
- Iva Keremedchieva, Junior Graphic Designer
- Catherine McGregor, Senior Food Operations Manager
- Lydia Cross, Customer Service Executive
- Andrea Blewitt, Customer Contact Centre Manager
- Hayley Wright, Operational Trainer
- Carol Roderickson, Director of Group Transitions
- Simon Frankland, General Manager at The Alex, Southend
Andrea Blewitt said: “We really had the most amazing day! We are still on a high – this was my ninth half marathon and I have to say the run was possibly the hardest I have ever done. The hills were gruelling, the heat was intense, but I loved every minute. The day itself was just the best by far, Rob Burrow was at the start and Kevin Sinfield passed me on route. After the run we sat outside the Manhattan pub and soaked up the atmosphere – I’m so proud of us, what an incredible day!”
Carol Roderickson said: “Leeds did not disappoint for the second year running. The atmosphere was incredible, the crowds were immense and the support and sense of togetherness is like no other event I have experienced. I am thrilled to have raised over £2,000 in two weeks primarily due to the generosity (aside of my Stonegate colleagues) of Paula at the Craft Union Pub, the Black Bull, Clayton, who rallied the customers and local businesses and generously raised £1,405!”
Lydia Cross also commented: “I had the most incredible day completing my first half marathon and managed to complete the course in 1 hour 49 minutes. I was overwhelmed with the support from the volunteers at the MND Association. They went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed before and after the race. The streets were lined with spectators and the atmosphere in Leeds was crazy. I still have a buzz from the day and I’m nearly fully recovered! Andrea and I have raised £710 so far for the charity. We are very grateful to anyone that donated.”
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the MND Association
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is a charity that supports people affected by MND while funding research to find a cure and was nominated as Stonegate’s charity partner back in 2022, having just announced their huge 500k milestone in fundraising efforts for the cause.
About Stonegate Group
Stonegate Group is the largest pub company in the UK. Its portfolio is comprised of over 4,500 sites, split across managed, operator led and leased and tenanted businesses.
The managed pubs division, which employs just under 16,000 people, is split into Branded and Traditional pubs. Branded is comprised of: Slug & Lettuce, Popworld, Be At One and the Venues division. Traditional (unbranded) pubs are made up of: Proper Pubs, Pub & Dining and Social Pub & Kitchen.
To date, over 12,000 employees have engaged with the various training programmes Stonegate Group offer, with over 600 Deputy Managers across the estate having been promoted to management roles.
The leased and tenanted estate, Stonegate Pub Partners, is made up of over 3,000 diverse sites whilst operator led Craft Union is currently made up of over 500 community pubs.
The business is multi award-winning for the training and development of its people and business success including:
BII’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs): HR Manager of the Year, multiple times; Best Apprenticeship Training Programme (ATOP). Best Managed Company for Training.
REBA Employee Wellbeing Awards – Best New Wellbeing Strategy (5000+ staff);
Publican Awards – Best Pub Employer (501+ employees) multiple times; Best Community Operator (Craft Union Pub Company) multiple times; Best Managed Pub Company multiple times.
Great British Pub Awards – Best LGBTQ+ operator multiple times; Best Sports Pub multiple times; Best Pub Garden, Best Entertainment; Best pub to watch sport; Community Mindfulness
Licensed Trade Charity Awards raising awareness through fundraising
UK Hospitality’s Dusk ‘til Dawn Late Night Awards Best Marketing and Promotions Award; Best Service & Team; Best late Night Operator
HR Excellence Awards: Best Learning and Development Strategy
HR Distinction Awards: Innovation for Digital & Social Media; People Development; Innovative Use of Technology
And awards for charity contribution including Licensed Trade Charity: Outstanding Corporate Contribution Award; APPBG PUBAID Corporate Charity Fundraiser Award
Contact: Sophie Barkley sophiebarkley@leisurepr.co.uk
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