In a year when the country continued to be in and out of lockdowns, Cornwall was filling up fast with visitors and the power of charitable giving which grew so greatly in 2020 was starting to dwindle as people got their lives back, there was one person who stayed steadfast to their target throughout - Fred Thomas AKA Skinners Brewery mascot Betty Stogs.

Since the start of his time in the community as Betty Stogs (Fred) was always keen for charities to benefit from his appearances, whether telling Cornish tales, singing songs, or carrying a collection bucket he has raised thousands of pounds for various causes.

In 2021, to help Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) celebrate its 30th anniversary year, Fred was determined to raise £30,000 for the charity through a triple fundraising challenge tackling land, sea, and air.

The land-based challenge kicked off in July when Fred took part in a three-day, sponsored cycling event; Ride for Precious Lives. Fred pedalled 205 miles from Bristol to St Austell alongside 100 others raising as much as they could for CHSW.

The air challenge was a tandem skydive that saw Fred face one of his biggest fears; heights. He tackled the skydive alongside friend Viv Bray in September, they jumped out of a plane, 10,000ft over the Cornish coastline.

The final challenge was to conquer the Cornish seas in a raft, rowing from Truro to Falmouth in October. Fred, alongside long-term friends and supporters of all of his fundraising; Viv Bray, Simon Knowles, and Paul Wickes, battled difficult sea conditions and weather to complete the row and were welcomed into Falmouth by well-wishers on the quay.

The £30,000 donation was presented to Amanda Masters, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, at a celebration event at The Old Ale House with shanty singers Hit and Miss on March 5, St Piran's Day.

"In 2019 Fred completed the London marathon for CHSW and how silly we were to think that that was a big enough challenge for him! 2021 really was quite the year for Fred," said Amanda Masters, Area Fundraiser for CHSW.

"He dedicated so much time and energy to raising every single penny of this fantastic total. On behalf of all of the children and families that we support – thank you Fred, you fundraised tirelessly and it is so greatly appreciated."

If Fred's fundraising has inspired you to challenge yourself to complete a charity challenge in 2022, however big or small, visit the CHSW website to find out how your challenge could help local children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Click here to see more from Children's Hospice South West.

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