Pat Hamill (right), proprietor of Halfway House Bar & Restaurant, together with the help of staff and patrons, has raised over £100K in aid of Macmillan Cancer during the last nine years. Also pictured are Barry Hamill and Joanne Young, Senior Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support.
In the heart of rural Northern Ireland, the Halfway House on Carnlough Road, under the stewardship of Mr. Pat Hamill, has become a beacon of hope and community spirit.
For 29 years, Pat Hamill has not only managed this beloved country pub but has also turned it into a powerhouse of fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support.
In 2015, Pat's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer. After enduring a series of surgeries and treatments, and receiving exceptional care from Macmillan nurses, thankfully Pat made a full recovery.
This ordeal, however, did not end his connection with the charity; it deepened it. Since his recovery, Pat, alongside his wife, family, staff, and loyal customers, has dedicated himself to raising funds for Macmillan, culminating in an impressive total of £101,437.12 over nine years.
The latest contribution to this cause was a "Big Breakfast" event hosted at the Halfway House, which alone raised £6,280.
This event, like many others organised by Pat, underscores the pub's role not just as a business, but as a hub for rural County Antrim, that has a heart for the community offering support to local charities and initiatives.
Despite the success, Pat remains humble. He insists that the spotlight should shine on his team and the customers whose generosity fuels these fundraising efforts. "It's not about me," Pat emphasised. "It's about what we can do together for those in need."
The story of the Halfway House and its fundraising efforts comes at a time when the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland faces significant challenges. Pubs like Pat's are not just places for social gatherings but are vital to the economic and social fabric of local communities.
Pat's initiative highlights how local businesses can, and do, play a critical role in community support.
Pat Hamill and the Halfway House's contributions go beyond mere fundraising; they foster a sense of community, hope, and support that resonates far beyond the walls of his pub.
Here's to many more years of community spirit and successful fundraising at the Halfway House!