Thwaites Marks 70th Anniversary of Dambusters with Lancaster Bomber Charity Donation

Thwaites brewery is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the legendary Dambusters raid on 16 and 17 May by donating 5p from every pint and bottle of Lancaster Bomber sold on the anniversary of the raid to charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The charity was founded by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, who led RAF No 617 Squadron (or the ‘Dambusters’) for eight months during World War II. Cheshire became one of the youngest Commanding Officers and the most decorated bomber pilot of the conflict upon the award of the Victoria Cross in 1944.

Today, Leonard Cheshire Disability is the UK’s largest charity providing services to disabled people.  It supports thousands of people with physical and learning disabilities to live the way they choose, and helps them achieve what is important to them.

The partnership with Thwaites will run for 12 months with an initial fundraising target of £50,000.

MD of Thwaites Beer Co, Steve Magnall said: “We wanted an appropriate tribute to commemorate and honour the bravery of the men who sacrificed their lives during the Dambuster raids. It’s a fitting tribute that a donation will be made to Leonard Cheshire Disability from every pint and bottle of Lancaster Bomber sold on the anniversary.

“We hope that many will join us in raising a pint to the Bomber Command who both sacrificed and risked their lives for our freedom.”

Hugo Middlemas, Director of Fundraising at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Our founder’s place in the history of the Dambusters is incredibly important and something we are very proud of. We’re extremely grateful that Thwaites has recognised this and will be raising much-needed funds to support our vital work with disabled people today.

“We urge as many people as possible to buy a pint or a bottle of Lancaster Bomber bitter on the anniversary of the Dambusters raid. The money raised will help fund accessible transport, activities and volunteer support to enable disabled people who use our services to live life to the full.”

Lancaster Bomber in bottle is available in larger Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and Booths stores at a RRP of £1.99.