Halstead business raises £1.19K for charity with music event

Located in Trinity Street, the Courtyard Brewery and Tap Room is owned by Marc and Tanya Blake, and Mark Skinner.

The brewery has a second site in Sudbury, a short drive from Halstead. 

After Butler Road resident, Mark Scott, 58, visited Halstead Courtyard and shared his recent Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis, owners and staff decided to set up fundraising activities to support him.

Event organiser Sonia Bhogal said: "The fundraiser was inspired by a man called Mark Scott who came into the Halstead Tap rooms for the very first time in July and confided in us that he had just been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

"Since that time, he has become a friend to the Tap Rooms and affectionately known as biker Mark.

"Through him, we have become more educated about this incurable disease.

"Mark's story made us want to raise money for this very underfunded and worthy cause."

Harmonica J's and Mark Scott (middle) at Halstead Courtyard's fundraiser (Image: John Brooker) In October, the Sudbury Tap held a Halloween-themed quiz night, raising £400 for Motor Neurone Disease.

In November, a second fundraiser was held at the Halstead Tap, with a raffle, live music and a tombola, raising £1,190.25. 

Sonia added: "Both events were well attended by the communities and everyone had a lot of fun as well as generously donating."

"Harmonic J's performed live and gave their time for free.

"One of the band members, Johnny Brooker has a very personal reason for contributing as his father passed away from MND.

"Raffle prizes were generously donated by local businesses, which we are extremely grateful for."

Prizes were donated by town businesses, including Whispers Wine Bar, Halstead Café, the Oak, the Bull Hotel, the Little Book Café, the Craft Emporium and more 20 others, as well as town residents.

Mark said: "I was diagnosed with MND back in July.

"I just want to say a huge thank you to the whole town for their support because without them the night would have been a complete flop.

"I was amazed by the amount of money we raised and hope I can rely on every body for the next event coming soon you are all simply the best - thank you."

Halstead resident and singer John Brooker lost his father to the disease eight years ago. 

He said: "Mark approached me after he saw me play at the Tap for their Gin fest in September."

"He told me that he had been diagnosed with MND and was going to organise a charity event down the Tap and asked if I would be able to play.

"I instantly said yes and volunteered the services of myself and my fellow band member Matt jolly.

"My father passed away from this horrible disease in 2016 so I was more than happy to help raise awareness of MND."

Paul Joynson from the MND association attended the event, and collected the money raised on behalf of the charity. 

The Halstead Courtyard and Tap Rooms will host another fundraiser this winter, seeing boxer and close friend of biker Mark, Rob Benham fight to raise money for MND. 

For more information, visit facebook.com/courtyardbrewery.co.uk