A TOWN centre pub is throwing its support behind fundraising efforts after the death of two-and-a-half- year-old Seb Murtough last month.

Regulars of the Tap And Barrel, in Manchester Road, have been digging deep to raise money for CALM, the children’s cancer and leukemia charity with a Stoptober effort.

Terri Taylor, 36, of Pinehurst, is halfway through her challenge but has not ducked her watering hole, as soft drinks provided for free while she coaxes donations out of other punters.

As a family friend of the Murtoughs, Terri lent a hand in previous fundraisers and said the memory of Seb has kept her sober.

“Anyone who knows me knows I like a drink, but the landlord here has been brilliant,” she said.

“I get all of my soft drinks free, and when my friends do shots I get a shot of water.

“It has becoming a bit of a running joke, and the pub has made the whole thing quite fun.

“After Seb died that was my main reason for doing this and why I haven’t caved.

“I’m doing what I always do, and still coming to the pub for karaoke on the weekends. I haven’t shut myself away. It has been hard, but it is funny now watching other people while they drink.

“We have got collection boxes behind the bar, and one of them is completely full after about two weeks. So far I have raised just over £400 in sponsorships.

“On October 31, we are having a Halloween party here with the people from CALM giving out certificates, and all of Seb’s family is coming along. That will be the first day I can have a drink again.

“Everyone here has been really supportive, including the pub staff, they have been spreading the word on Facebook, which has been brilliant.

“I am confident I am going to make it. Sometimes when I want a drink I just look at a picture of little Seb which I carry everywhere.

“I am a mum of five and I couldn’t imagine losing one of my children. That is what has spurred me on.

“I always called him my special little angel, and he was such a happy little chappy.

“He was always smiling and had the most beautiful smile.

“I look a lot better for doing it and feel a lot healthier.”

Charlie Metcalfe, the manager of the Tap And Barrel, said everyone at the pub was behind Terri.

“She is doing brilliantly, and I am very proud of her,” he said. “I certainly couldn’t do it.

“Every night through the month we are pushing this charity.

“All of the regulars who come into the pub are proud of her, and we are all looking forward to the 31st when she can drink again.

“There are a lot of people who have given more than once now, because it’s a great cause.

“It must be tough for the family, especially because of the age of the lad and what happened to him.

“The charity is the most important thing throughout the month, and on the night Halloween will be second fiddle.”

To sponsor Terri visit