A PUB landlord completed a walk with a mental health charity in a nationwide march to raise awareness for male suicide.
The Phoenix pub landlord, Martyn Godwin walked 5,151m with charity, HUMEN on Sunday, December 4 in an effort to raise £500,000 for men's mental health as a part of its annual 'Rise Against Suicide' campaign.
The fundraising walk covered 5,151m from The Hundred, Romsey, with each metre representing a man who lost their life to suicide in the last year.
The Phoenix was one of many pubs from across the country taking part in this initiative, as part of the charity’s partnership with Star Pubs & Bars, HEINEKEN UK.
Landlord Martyn said: "Heineken approached us with the opportunity to be one of the host venues for the 'Rise Against Suicide' walk in late November and gave us a brief description of the charity and the event, and put us in contact with some of HUMEN's workers.
"We jumped at the opportunity to be associated, it is always nice to use our position to help charities but especially such a worthwhile one.
"I think it is fair to say that almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by suicide, particularly males. Especially across the last few years, it is such a prominent issue and pubs make perfect sense to help with raising awareness, given the customer base we have.
"We had a great day, the weather even held out for us. Everyone who attended seemed invested in the cause and conversation was flowing on the way around. Everyone then returned back to the Phoenix where we all warmed up with a coffee.
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"Currently, there has been £28,361 raised with most donations going through the HUMEN JustGiving page, but many local customers have mentioned donating. We estimate around the £1,000-£1,500 mark."
Actor and founder of HUMEN, River Hawkins said: “It has been amazing to see the support from local communities and pub landlords across the UK and we want to thank everyone for rising this past weekend and taking part in our annual campaign."
Martyn said the pub would look to hold another walk next year.
He added: "It is such a great cause.
"We will certainly be asking about hosting a walk again next year, with hopefully further opportunities for fund-raising and also frequent social media posts and advertising raising awareness of the charity and their aims."
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