The Royal Oak’s Relay Day brought together people of all ages for a multi-stage relay across Wolverhampton and beyond, carrying their beloved pub mascot, Oakley Bear, every step of the way.
Participants took part in a:
Back at the pub, locals gathered to witness Jim’s Big Shave, as volunteer Jim Cooper braved the clippers in the bar, raising even more money for the cause. The day also saw a visit from local MP Warinder Juss, who met with the Blood Bikers and was invited to become a member himself.
“The community really got behind it,” said Terry Cole, licensee of The Royal Oak and the driving force behind the event. “From bikers to walkers to runners, everyone played their part to keep Oakley moving and raise money for a brilliant cause. This is what Chapel Ash is all about coming together and making a difference.”
So far, over £3,500 has been raised with donations still coming in. The funds will go directly to Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikes, covering two weeks’ worth of operational costs for their vital volunteer service.
With a weekly running cost of £1,500, this support will help keep their fleet on the road, delivering emergency blood, medical samples, and breast milk to neonatal units, free of charge, to NHS Trusts across the region.
Relay Day has become a proud tradition at The Royal Oak, and this year’s event was another shining example of how pubs can unite communities for good. As winners of the Outstanding Contribution Award in the 2025 Community Pub Hero Awards, the team at The Royal Oak continues to set a standard for what it means to be a true community pub, supporting vital services and bringing people together, one mile and one pint at a time.
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Prize details:
Two Premier League tickets with hospitality fulfilled by Sky Business - to a game of your choice from a select list. Eligible for 2026 Premier League home games in the 2025/26 season
Two sets of two tickets from Diageo