Cryers Butchers shortlisted for final of 2021 Town And County Business Champions

Darren Rushton and Stephen Bamford, Cryers Butchers Littleborough

Darren Rushton and Stephen Bamford, of Cryers Butchers in Littleborough, have reached the final of the Town And County Business Champions for the Lancashire region.

A traditional style butchers shop providing meat sourced from local farmers and distributors, Cryers is one of more than 80 businesses from the North of England to reach the grand finale in Liverpool on 14 July.

Darren said: “This is quite a big thing as we’ve been recognised as one of the exceptional businesses from the county. Hopefully being recognised will get our name out there even more.

“Thank you to everyone for your support; without you, we are nothing.”

Darren believes their business was shortlisted for the accolade due to their charity work. Previously they have raised money for CALM to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression in the military community, in addition to supporting local families and soup kitchens with donations of meat and hampers.

Prior to the awards night, Darren and Ste will also be carrying out the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for mental health causes.

The two butchers will be joined by Jamie Mullarkey, Jason Mould and Damien Ghafoor – all dressed as Smurfs.

A provisional date for the challenge of 26 June has been earmarked in anticipation of restrictions being lifted.

A donation will be made to MIND, a charity which Darren praises for its hard work, as well as funding therapy sessions for anyone in need locally.

Darren – who will be donning a blonde wig as Smurfette for the challenge – added: “All money raised from this challenge will be donated to charity to support mental health and suicide awareness, not just ex-military but everyone. So if you can sponsor us, then please do.

“MIND is a really good charity; I know people they’ve helped. We will also be paying for people to have therapy sessions. We don’t have a figure that we’re aiming for, but if we can pay for someone to have 10 sessions of therapy to help, that’s amazing.

“Raising awareness is more important than the funds we raise. If one or two people come forward for help who wouldn’t have done, that’s even better because you know we’ve helped someone.”

Donations can be made at the Victoria Street butchers, or online by messaging the Cryers Facebook page.