THE Phoenix Bar in Portishead has raised £10,000 for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).

The family-run Victoria Square restaurant was visited by GWAAC Supporter Engagement coordinator Philippa Walker to celebrate the fundraising milestone.

Tam and mother Dawn (along with grandmother and joint landlady, Monica) have run raffles, sold jumpers, hosted collection tins on the bar, held competitions on social media during lockdown and put on fundraising events.

They have been supported in their efforts by the Portishead community and Phoenix patrons, as well as fellow family member Sam Hughes, who was described as a "massive support throughout."

GWAAC has been supported by the bar since 2014.

In 2019, Dawn's partner of 10 years, Sean, was involved in a critical road traffic collision.

The ambulance service rushed to the scene but were unable to save him.

Sean, a community man, was a fundraiser himself. He once ran a charity marathon and was known for his support of the local rugby and football clubs.

Each year, on the anniversary of Sean’s death, the family remembers him by visiting his bench at Gordano Rugby Club and laying flowers.

Tam said that this experience inspires them to support the GWAAC: “It really helped channel our grief through something, having a focus. You can’t change what happened but you can help try to change something for someone else.”

A particularly memorable event on their fundraising journey took place in 2019, called Sean Owen's Sunday Funday.

Around 1,000 gathered to celebrate his life, including his friends, who had made the impressive walk from Exeter, Sean's hometown.

Philippa, from GWAAC, said: “We are so incredibly proud to have the Phoenix as part of the GWAAC family and congratulate Tam, Dawn and the whole Phoenix community on reaching £10,000.

"This will fund five entire missions – that’s five people who might not have received critical care and been given the best possible chance of survival if it wasn’t for the amazing commitment of the Phoenix.

"Their fundraising journey not only honours the memory of a cherished family member but also demonstrates the power of collective action and how every contribution, no matter how small, can lead to a substantial impact over time.”