Making Every Pint Count: Chantry Brewery donates £1 a pint of Brecks new beer to Rotherham Hospice

Making Every Pint Count: Chantry Brewery Brews A Beer that Supports Compassionate Care at Rotherham Hospice

At Rotherham Hospice, we believe in the power of community and the difference it can make. Thanks to an incredible initiative from Chantry Brewery, every pint of their specially brewed beer is a toast to compassionate care, making a direct impact on the lives of those we serve.

Crafted to honour John Breckin, a devoted Rotherham Hospice ambassador, this unique beer celebrates his unwavering contributions to the Rotherham community. For every pint of Breck 80/81 sold in Chantry’s pubs, £1 will be donated to the hospice, helping us provide exceptional care to those facing terminal illness. Pints sold in other pubs will also support this cause, contributing 10p each.

Mick Warburton, Director of Chantry Brewery, shared the inspiration behind this generous initiative:

“We wanted to brew this beer in recognition of the award John received, the Jeff Astle Award, for his work around dementia and brain health. John was also a hero of ours as a player, with the best season probably being the 80/81 season. We know he has done an incredible amount of fundraising for Rotherham Hospice, so we are giving £1 a pint to the hospice for every pint of this beer sold in our pubs and 10p a pint in any other pubs selling it.”

More Than Just a Pint

Chantry Brewery has brewed an impressive 65 barrels, with each barrel holding 72 pints. Available from 27th January, this beer can be enjoyed at Chantry’s pubs – the Cutlers Arms and New York Tavern in Rotherham, the Chantry Inn in Sheffield, and the Brewery Bar at Parkgate – as well as other participating venues.

This initiative reflects the heart of Rotherham Hospice: a community working together to provide care and support. John Breckin, reflecting on the collaboration, shared:

“I’m truly honoured by this gesture from Chantry Brewery. Knowing this beer will support Rotherham Hospice makes it even more meaningful. It’s a place that’s close to my heart, and I’m so proud of the work they do for our community. To everyone who raises a glass – thank you!”

Raise a Glass and Make a Difference

By enjoying a pint of this special beer, you’re not just having a drink – you’re joining a movement to support local families facing terminal illness. Whether you’re sharing a laugh with friends at the pub or savouring a moment of reflection, every sip makes a difference.

Visit a participating Chantry Brewery pub and be part of this incredible journey. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community faces the end of life alone.

Other ways to get involved

Sheffield Half Marathon

Join #TeamRH on Sheffield Half

Take on a different kind of challenge with the Sheffield Half! We’re putting a team together, all running the iconic half marathon for Rotherham Hospice… and you could be part of the crew! Sign up now – places are limited!

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Take part in our Midnight Walk

One of the biggest events on the calendar, our Midnight Walk brings the Rotherham community together to walk 10km in memory of someone they love. Lace up your shoes, grab your glow sticks and join us on a night to remember!

Family having an Easter yard sale in their garden in the North East of England. They have handmade easter crafts on a table and chocolate snacks. One of the sellers has down syndrome.

Set up your own fundraiser

Whether it’s a bake sale in your community, a quiz night at your local or even a special challenge you’ve always wanted to do for yourself – we’re here to help you at every step! Get in touch and we’ll provide you with fundraising materials, advice and encouragement along the way.

Millers Fans Bring Tivoli End Back to Life for Hospice Fundraiser

Millers Fans Bring Tivoli End Back to Life for Hospice Fundraiser

e’re absolutely thrilled to share some brilliant news with you about a unique fundraising event that promises to bring the roar of The Tivoli End back to life. On Saturday 11th January 2025, after Rotherham United’s home game against Bolton Wanderers, you’ll have the chance to join Millers supporters – and members of the historic 1980/81 squad – for a day of singing, reminiscing, and celebrating in aid of our Hospice.

Stepping Back in Time

For one magical afternoon, you can set foot back at Millmoor and relive the energy of The Tivoli End. A group of dedicated fundraisers have teamed up with local musician LPMC to re-record the iconic club anthem ‘Millermen’, originally performed with the help of that remarkable 1980/81 side. This time around, it’s your turn to be part of the chorus!

What makes this re-recording even more special is the blessing of Frank Hopkinson’s family, who wrote and performed the original ‘Millermen.’ His loved ones will be in attendance, joining in to keep Frank’s memory alive. We can’t think of a more perfect way to unite our community and celebrate Rotherham’s heritage.

How Your Donation Helps

We’re delighted to have the support of John Breckin, our wonderful Rotherham Hospice Ambassador and a vital part of Rotherham United’s history. He’s been instrumental in driving this event forward. Here’s what he has to say:

“I am massively excited for next week’s event. For me personally, it will be an amazing occasion and the first time that we’ve all been back together as a squad at Millmoor in 44 years since that famous day against Plymouth when we won the league in 1981.

“I want people to know that my singing hasn’t improved since the 80s, so please don’t worry if you want to get involved and you’re not a karaoke star. This is something for everyone young and old and I am reliably informed that they can even make me sound better if they have to in the final edit!

“We’ve done some really unique things to raise money for the Hospice over the years, but this might be one of the best yet. Let’s have a drink, a sing-song and bring The Tivoli back to life for one night only! Up the Millers.”

Get involved here!

Hear It From Our Hospice Ambassador

We couldn’t do any of this without the support of our amazing community. If you’d like to help, there are lots of ways to get involved:

  • Fundraise: Host an event, join a sponsored challenge, or support us through your business.
  • Donate: Every little bit helps us provide care for those who need it most.
  • Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers who make such a big difference every day.

To learn more about our new strategy, upcoming events, or how you can get involved, visit our website or give us a call. Together, we can make a difference and add more life to every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Easy Ways to Donate and Join In

Ready to sign up? There are two simple ways:

  1. Online Donation

    • Head over to the JustGiving link.
    • Donate £20 and leave your full name.
    • We’ll add you to our sign-in list for entry on the day.

  2. Pay on the Day

    • If online donations aren’t for you, don’t worry!
    • Simply bring £20 and hand it to one of our Rotherham Hospice representatives at the Millmoor turnstiles on 11th January.

If you’d like to support without taking part in the singing, you can still donate £20, and we’ll pop your name on the list. Even if you don’t feel like belting out a tune, you’re very welcome to come along and soak up the atmosphere or simply make a contribution from afar.

Thank You for Your Support

We can’t say thank you enough to everyone who’s helped turn this fantastic idea into reality – from local businesses offering sponsorship, to the Booth family, and of course, each of you who will be donating or attending. Rotherham’s passion for football and our community never fails to amaze us at the Hospice, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

So, get your singing voices warmed up, dust off your vinyl player, and come along to make new memories in an old, much-loved stadium. We can’t wait to welcome you at Millmoor for a nostalgic day that will make a real difference to people in our care.

John Breckin appointed Ambassador for Rotherham Hospice

John Breckin Ambassador for Rotherham Hospice

The Hospice means so much to me. They were there for me and my family, just as they are for all Rotherham families.

John Breckin on Rotherham Hospice Tweet

Rotherham Hospice is thrilled to announce John Breckin, Rotherham United FC legend, as Ambassador for the Hospice.

John has contributed to the creation of some of our most popular events including the Midnight Memory Walk, Red Glove Day at Rotherham United’s football ground and his annual cricket match at Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club. Not only that, but John is keen to do more.

John Breckin midnight walk

John’s support for Rotherham Hospice is longstanding, having lost his wife at the Hospice in 2006, and his daughter attended the Sunbeams support group the Hospice offers to bereaved families. Both before and after his wife’s death, John has been a constant supporter of the Hospice, giving so much of his time to helping the Hospice stay running.

 

As Ambassador, John plans to continue to be a beacon in the community for the charity, encouraging everyone to take part in fundraising events, contribute what they can financially and donate their well-needed services to the Hospice.

 

John is a frequent friendly face in the Hospice, saying hello to staff and patients whenever he comes in, signing books for people on the ward and throwing ideas around the fundraising office. 

It was only fitting, therefore, that when we asked John what he would like to do to celebrate the announcement of him as our Rotherham Hospice Ambassador, he asked for a small gathering with Hospice staff on Hospice grounds.

“Thank you all for sharing today with me. The Hospice means so much to me. They were there for me and my family, just as they are for all Rotherham families. It’s an honour and I’ll do whatever I can to keep this place going,” John said, in his speech in our gardens on 1st September. “You, the staff, are the Hospice. You keep it going. Every time I come down, there’s smiles on your faces and it really does make people feel at home and welcome.”

When asked why we decided to make John Breckin our Ambassador, Stephen King, Director of Income Generation for Rotherham Hospice said;

“It’s not enough to just say thank you for all his fundraising efforts. We wanted to recognise John’s achievement and dedication by appointing him as ambassador for Rotherham Hospice. We are looking forward to flying the flag for Rotherham Hospice with John for years to come.”

Thank you, John, for all that you do! The Hospice wouldn’t be where it would be today without your support and everyone here is excited to work with you more in the future.

Read all about John Breckin's amazing story in his biography. All proceeds go to Rotherham Hospice
John Breckin Ambassador for Rotherham Hospice

Millers ‘Give the Hospice a Hand’ and raise over £10K!

Red Glove Day cheque presentation

Rotherham Hospice would like to thank every single person who supported us as part of the ‘Give the Hospice a Hand’ initiative, raising an amazing £10,060.31 at the most recent count.

 

Firstly, we need to thank John Breckin, former Rotherham United player, Honorary Life President of the club and all-round Millers legend, who has been a staunch supporter of the Hospice for many years, following the death of his wife Denise in 2006. John came up with the idea of a ‘red glove day’ to contribute towards the £3 million total which the Hospice relies on in charity donations each year.

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Speaking on Monday having moments ago learned of a superb final total, John Breckin said:

I’m totally overwhelmed. Every single time that I have asked for the Rotherham people to get behind my fundraising efforts for the angels at the Hospice, they have responded, but done it so generously.

The Hospice also needs to thank everyone associated with Rotherham United FC and those who covered the cost of the gloves in advance, meaning all your donations on the day went straight to the Hospice. It’s a long list, but they all did their bit, including Chairman Tony Stewart, Les Payne, Sam Todd, Chris Barnes (CRB), Ian Maden (EMG), Gareth Hickling (KCM), Jim Haigh (Eagle Platforms), Steve Burrows (Burrows Motor Company), Robert Sommerville (House Hairdressers), Andrew Watson (Good Measures Pharmacy), Darrell Johnson (Maltby Main FC), Jamie Noble and Colan Leung (RUCST), Adam Nicholson and Phil Cooper (PA Entertainment), Phoebe Shore and all cheerleaders (Trailblazer Allstars), Brian Smith , Howard Webb, Bill Dabell, and Kevin Johnson, who ran the signed shirt raffle!

rotherham hospice volunteersA massive thank you to all the volunteers who helped in the run up and on the day – we could not have done this without your enthusiastic efforts!

And last but by no means least, all the amazing Rotherham United FC supporters who dug deep into their pockets on the day, and whose generosity is what keeps the Hospice going!

The last word goes to John:

I want to personally thank every single volunteer, who gave up their time to stand with buckets for the Hospice and equally, every single person who gave even a penny to help this charity which helps so many people in the town and beyond.

The Hospice were there for me, as they have been many others, and it is great to have the feeling of us being there for them because it needs such huge financial resource to ensure that they can continue caring for our loved ones. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of everyone here, thank you.

John Breckin

If you would still like to help us, you can donate here!