Historic Manchester brewery raises thousands for Southport attack victims

In a powerful display of community spirit, a group of Joseph Holt pubs across Greater Manchester have come together to raise funds for the victims of last summer’s devastating Southport attack.

The horrific events of July 2024 shook the nation. Three young girls – Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice Aguiar – lost their lives in a senseless act of violence at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Elsie’s Story

In the wake of such heartbreak, Elsie’s parents, Jenni and David Stancombe, channelled their grief into action, establishing Elsie’s Story, a charitable trust dedicated to supporting young people and bringing communities together in their daughter’s name.

Now, 16 Joseph Holt pubs across the North West are uniting to help keep Elsie’s light shining. Led by landlady Jess Lucas of The Haymarket Pub in Ormskirk, the initiative has grown into a region-wide fundraising effort, demonstrating the immense compassion and solidarity of Manchester’s pub community.

A community rallying together

Jess Lucas has been fundraising for Elsie’s Story since its inception, inspired not only by her personal connection to Elsie’s mother but also by the overwhelming generosity of her pub’s patrons. Her efforts began with the sale of hand-drawn cards created by 10-year-old Amelia Mawdesley, whose mother, a paediatric nurse, was among those who cared for victims in the aftermath of the attack. The response was so overwhelming that Jess rallied another 15 Joseph Holt pubs to join her in a collective fundraising mission.

“We were all devastated by what happened in Southport,” said Jess. “Now, thanks to our pubs and our generous customers, we can do something to remember little Elsie and help others.”

Among the participating venues are The Mort Arms in Tyldesley and The Mosley in Bolton, each of which is hosting charity events and initiatives to raise as much money as possible for Elsie’s Story.

The heart of the community

Joseph Holt, a brewery with 175 years of history in Manchester, has always prided itself on the deep-rooted connection between its pubs and their communities. Area manager Mike Gauder expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Elsie’s Story, stating: “We are very much a family business, and our customers have huge hearts and truly value the need to support one another. The tragedy in Southport affected us all, and we hope that through our fundraising, we can honour Elsie’s memory and help other children in need.”

Elsie’s mother, Jenni Stancombe, expressed her deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. In a heartfelt letter to Jess Lucas, she wrote:

“In my job outside of the charity, I work with many managers who feel obligated to do community work. It’s evident that, for you, it’s not just part of your job but something you are genuinely passionate about.

“You do an amazing job, so thank you.”

How to help raise funds

The communal fundraiser continues to gain momentum, with Joseph Holt pubs hosting a variety of events, from charity raffles to special fundraising nights, all in support of Elsie’s Story. To learn more about the trust and how you can contribute, visit their Instagram page here or pop into your local participating pub to show your support.

Manchester’s pubs have long been a place where people come together: t o celebrate, to commiserate, and to support one another. In rallying behind Elsie’s Story, they are proving once again that the city’s spirit of kindness and resilience will always shine through, even in the darkest of times.

You can find out more about Elsie’s Story on their Instagram here