JW LEES RAISES OVER £3100 TO HELP FOR HEROES

Pubs run by the independent family brewery, based in Manchester donated ten pence from every pint of seasonal ale John Willie’s 100.

Regional brewer JW Lees created seasonal ale, John Willie’s 100, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered the First World War. John Willie’s 100 was sold in all of their managed houses, where ten pence from every pint was donated to Help for Heroes.

John Willie’s 100 was launched in September 2014 and during the 12 weeks that it was available, there were over 30,000 pints sold across JW Lees managed houses. Locals enjoyed the ale in the knowledge that their pint was helping to make a difference, with the total amount raised reaching over £3137.

Commenting on the ale, JW Lees Managing Director, William Lees-Jones said: “I was moved last summer when our son Louis left school and his Headmaster spoke of the boys who had left school in 1914. Less than half of them lived through the Great War and we are proud at JW Lees to do a little bit today to help those families who have suffered through war.”

“John Willie’s 100 was a huge success. Our guests really got behind the ale and raised a pint and money to our heroes.” Bryn and Emma Parry, Co-Founders of Help for Heroes said: “Help for Heroes is all about ‘doing your bit’ and this fundraising campaign is a wonderful example of people having a good idea, rallying support and having a great deal of fun while they raise money for a wonderful cause. We’d like to thank J.W. Lees for supporting our Heroes, and to raise a glass to all the J.W. Lees customers who bought a pint to help some very brave men and women. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and some of them are living with the consequences of their service for life. We may not be able to prevent our soldiers from being wounded, but together we can help them get better.”

Made with Challenger hops and with a rich mahogany colour, John Willie’s 100 was a robust ale that really left its mark. JW Lees’ new seasonal offering sees Jester Magic hit the pubs. Launching in March, Jester Magic is a treat for the tongue and is brewed with Jester hops to give it a distinctly sweet, satisfying flavour.

Company Background

JW Lees was founded in 1828 and is based in Middleton, North Manchester. The company owns JW Lees Pubs, which includes 115 tenancies and 36 managed pubs, inns and hotels, The Alderley Edge Hotel and Willoughby’s Wine Merchants, employing more than 1,100 people. In Middleton Junction at Greengate Brewery the family brew seven real ales as well as one lager, three smooth beers and six limited edition seasonal cask ales. JW Lees is also the exclusive importer of draught beer, Bohemia regent, from a genuine Czech Lager brewed since 1379.