Fundraiser for domestic abuse charity in memory of much-loved Amy

Customers visiting the County Borough pub on Thursday, August 23, will be encouraged to dress up as characters from the Guys and Dolls musical to raise money for Rotherham Rise, in memory of Amy Docherty.

Mother-of-two Amy (27) took her own life in August last year, days after suffering an assault at the hands of her partner.

Rotherham Rise works with people who have survived abusive relationships involving domestic abuse and sexual exploitation.

Manager of the town centre pub Ryan Janukowicz is organising the event in Amy’s memory.

He has been selling wristbands, badges and pens at the bar to raise money for the charity.

Ryan said: “Amy used to work at the pub and we wanted to do something positive to get everyone together.

“Just fundraising at the pub has already raised awareness of Rotherham Rise.

“If we can help one or two people and save them from what Amy went through it will be worth it.

“If Amy had known about Rotherham Rise there is a large possibility she would still be here today.

“If we can raise a bit of awareness so the volunteers of Rotherham Rise can carry on doing something good then it will be worth it.”

The event, which begins at 2pm, will include a raffle and games including Play Your Cards Right and Irish Bingo.

Ryan said he had chosen a Guys and Dolls theme because it had been Amy’s favourite and she had dressed up in the costumes.

He said: “The response we have had has been absolutely brilliant.

“We have the full support of Amy’s family and we have had people who don’t work here anymore helping us out.

“What’s been the most heart-warming thing has been the response to Rotherham Rise.

“When people hear a bit more about it they chuck a few more quid in the charity box.”