Ballymena publican raises over £100,000

Pat Hamill, the long-standing proprietor of The Halfway House on Carnlough Road, Ballymena, has been a familiar face in the hospitality industry for nearly three decades.

Known for his dedication to his family, staff, and community, Pat’s journey has been marked by both personal and professional milestones. However, it’s his extraordinary commitment to raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support that has truly captured the hearts of many.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Pat faced a challenging road ahead. The treatment required the removal of part of his tongue, followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy. Thanks to the expert care of Macmillan nurses Cherith and Theresa, Pat made a remarkable recovery, leading him to feel a deep sense of gratitude towards the charity. This personal experience ignited Pat’s determination to give back and raise vital funds for those facing similar battles.

Since 2015, with the unwavering support of his wife, family, staff, and loyal customers, Pat has led a series of fundraising efforts that have collectively raised an astounding £101,437.12 for Macmillan Cancer Support in just nine years. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, during which two years of fundraising were lost, Pat’s dedication never wavered.

One of the most recent events, a “Big Breakfast” held at The Halfway House recently raised £6,280. The event was a resounding success, with customers and staff coming together to contribute generously. The breakfast, which ran from 8am to 12:30pm, exceeded all expectations, a testament to the strong sense of community that Pat has fostered at his pub.

Pat, always humble about his efforts, reflected on his journey saying, “I was diagnosed in 2015 with cancer and got part of my tongue removed. Through 33 sessions of radiotherapy, as well as the consistent assistance of two nurses; Cherith and Theresa, I have now recovered and feel the need to give back to Macmillan. Ever since, I have been fundraising through sponsored walks, bicycle races, raffles, and charity big breakfasts at my pub. £101,437 has been raised over the past 9 years.”

He added, “The Big Breakfast was a huge success, and we were blown away by the generosity amongst our customers and staff. The event took place between 8am and 12:30pm, and a considerable amount of money was achieved.”

In a time when the hospitality sector is facing numerous challenges, Pat’s efforts stand out as an example of how publicans can make a meaningful impact. “I believe sometimes pubs are painted in a bad light,” Pat commented. “I want to share with my fellow publicans that if everybody does a little, we achieve a lot. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer, so I feel it is so important to continue fundraising for this cause.”

As the festive season approaches, it’s a timely reminder of the good that can be achieved when individuals and communities come together for a worthy cause.

To keep up with upcoming fundraising events at The Halfway House, make sure to follow them on Facebook.