St Albans landlord toasts success in our search for a community hero

3:20pm Friday 30th October 2009

By Alexandra Barham

A PROUD pub landlord has toasted his success after being crowned a winner for his tireless fundraising efforts in the Review's search for an unsung hero.

When he is not behind the bar serving pints to his punters at The Green Man pub in High Street, Sandridge, Michael Eames is raising money for charity.

Raising their glasses to Michael's victory today were his customers who nominated him for the Review's Community Gold Scheme, run in conjunction with local solicitors Debenhams Ottaway, which aims to recognise those who go that extra mile to make a postive contribution to society.

As well as running the pub for almost 22 years with his wife Lesley, the 48-year-old has dedicated a huge amount of time to hosting charity events, raising about £80,000 for local and national causes, including Grove House hospice.

Pam Olden, who nominated Michael for the award, said: "He helps anyone in the community. He is always hosting charity events for his customers for example golf days, bike rides and many more. If you have a puncture, just take your bike in there and he will sort it out for you. He is always cheerful and works tirelessly helping people out."

Among the fundraisers organised by Michael is an annual sponsored charity bike ride. About 70 of Michael's regulars put down their pints and pork scratchings to take part in this year's cycle, held in June, which helped to raise £5,000 for Grove House hospice.

Also keeping the the father-of-two busy is his commitment to organising events for the Masonic Trust and Salmon Fishing Charity, which holds fishing events for children and young adults with special needs.

It even proved impossible to relay the new good news to our hero on the day the awards judges voted him winner because he was competing in a charity golf match at Batchwood Golf Club.

When we did finally manage to track him down, he said: "It's the customers putting in the hard work really. "It all reflects back on the pub and the people who use it. It's a community award really."

Judge Godfrey Mather of Debenhams Ottaway said: "Michael has been an exemplary charity fundraiser over many years and in many different ways.

"It shows what a great landlord he is - not only does he serve a good pint, he looks after his punters as well."

If you know someone who deserves a big pat on the back you have just two months to ensure their contributions are recognised in our Community Gold Awards.

To send your nomination text the word 'hero' to 80360 followed by their name, your name and a brief description of what they have done.

You can also send your nomination by email to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk – with the message catchlined 'hero'.