Member Article

Brewery creates special Dedication Ale in memory of Roy Castle

A commemorative beer, known as Dedication Ale, is being launched to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of popular entertainer Roy Castle.

The much-loved actor, tap dancer, musician and TV presenter died of lung cancer in September 1994, having spent the final months of his life travelling around the UK with his Cause for Hope campaign to raise awareness of the disease.

His work led to the creation of a ground-breaking lung cancer research centre in Liverpool and his name was given to Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, whose research and patient support work continues today.

To acknowledge his impact on the city and the lung cancer agenda nationwide, Liverpool Organic Brewery has created Dedication Ale, a name which has echoes of his 22-year role as host of children’s TV show Record Breakers and its signature tune at the end of each episode.

The beer is described as a golden ale with hints of fruit and malt brewed from organic barley and hops and will receive its official launch at the brewery’s beer festival at St George’s Hall in Liverpool in September, which last year attracted almost 6,000 people.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which remains the UK’s only charity dedicated to defeating lung cancer, has been adopted as the brewery’s charity of the year and they will join forces on a range of fundraising activity over the next 12 months.

Mark Hensby, managing director of Liverpool Organic Brewery, said: “Roy Castle is known to millions as a talented and courageous man who overcame huge odds to spread the message about lung cancer and try to protect future generations from an awful disease.

“We wanted to do something to commemorate his achievements, which can still be seen to this day in Liverpool and across the country. We are equally delighted to support the charity which proudly bears his name and we look forward to a productive year for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.”

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “Roy’s dedication and bravery are well documented and it’s hard to believe that it has been 20 years since he and his wife Fiona launched the Cause for Hope appeal and embarked on the Tour of Hope around the UK.

“Roy always said he was doing it not for himself, but for our children and our children’s children. Anything that helps us pass on the message far and wide is very welcome and we hope Dedication Ale will be a great success.”

Despite being the UK’s bigger cancer killer, with around 35,000 people dying each year, lung cancer receives only a fraction of the core funding allocated to other types of cancer.

To find out more about lung cancer or to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, visit www.roycastle.orghttp://www.roycastle.org, call 0333 323 7200 or text ROYC20 £5 to 70070.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .