Bittaford pub launches cheeky 2026 charity calendar to fund brain tumour research

A new 2026 charity calendar is being launched by the Horse & Groom in Bittaford to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

The project follows years of fundraising by the pub, which has donated more than £32,500 to the cause through events and community efforts.

The pub has previously been active in supporting the charity, including personal challenges undertaken by landlady Dawn Michelin such as running ten miles daily throughout 2024 and completing the London Marathon.

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The calendar, titled “Beer, Nuts & Champagne”, features regular customers who volunteered to pose for light-hearted, semi-clothed photographs.

Each month includes a different themed photo and the option of local sponsorship, with advertising space available on individual pages.

The images were taken at the pub, with participants ranging from first-time volunteers to long-standing patrons.

Organiser Dawn Michelin said “After years of running challenges to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity, my health meant I had to find a new way to keep fundraising. Having lost my dad, grandad, cousin and best friend to brain tumours, it’s a cause very close to my heart. The calendar felt like a fun way to involve our customers at the Horse & Groom while continuing to raise awareness and vital funds. Laughter and teamwork are at the core of what we do, but the goal is serious - helping to fund research and support for those affected.”

At the end of the fundraising campaign, all proceeds from sales and sponsorships will go directly to The Brain Tumour Charity.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer death in children and adults under 40.

Figures show that only 12 per cent of adults diagnosed with a brain tumour survive five years after their diagnosis.

The calendar will be on sale soon, with copies available directly from the pub.

The Horse and Groom are pioneers of “Pubs Against Brain Tumours”, a phrase which Dawn adopted, and she has actively campaigned for more pubs to use their businesses as fundraising and awareness platforms.