Dartmoor pub’s cheeky calendar draws Olympic interest and raises thousands for charity

A village pub on the edge of Dartmoor has raised more than £2,600 for brain tumour research after the success of a charity calendar that brought Olympic attention.

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The Horse & Groom in Bittaford launched the 2026 calendar earlier this year in support of The Brain Tumour Charity. 

The calendar featured themed photographs of regular customers and local supporters, taken inside the pub, and was described by organisers as light-hearted and community-led.

Landlady Dawn Michelin said the response exceeded expectations, with eighty calendars sold in the first month alone, and orders coming from well beyond the local area.

“It wasn’t just regular customers or the models who wanted one,” she said. “I had requests from Cornwall, Bristol, Scotland and even France asking if I could post them out.”

One calendar was also sent overseas to former local resident and Olympic diver Tom Daley, who has previously supported the pub’s fundraising efforts. 

ABOVE: Former local Tom Daley has previously supported the pub's fundraising efforts

Ms Michelin said those who volunteered to take part described it as “the most they have laughed in ages”, adding that several participants have already offered to be involved again next year.

“A few of the models are keen to bare all for the next calendar,” she said. “As a first attempt, I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support and interest.”

The Horse & Groom covered the printing costs of the calendar, meaning all money raised from sales and sponsorship went directly to the charity. 

ABOVE: Regular customers who had way to much fun at the pool table for the calendar

In total, the calendar raised £2,622.50, bringing the pub’s JustGiving “Pubs Against Brain Tumours” total to £35,520.

Ms Michelin began fundraising for brain tumour causes following the loss of several close family members and friends to the disease. 

In previous years she has taken on personal challenges, including running long distances daily and completing the London Marathon, to raise awareness and funds.

She said changes to her health meant she needed to find new ways to continue fundraising, and the calendar provided an opportunity to involve the wider community.

“It felt like a fun way to keep raising money while bringing people together,” she said. “The laughter is important, but the cause itself is very serious.”

Around 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, which equates to roughly 36 diagnoses every day. 

Campaigners have raised long-standing concerns that brain tumour research receives a disproportionately small share of national cancer funding. 

ABOVE: Landlord Dawn with customer/models Louise and Paul who grabbed the remaining calendars for Christmas gifts

Ms Michelin said many people now use the term “brain cancer” rather than “brain tumour”, believing it attracts greater attention and urgency.

She has also been promoting a national petition calling for increased investment in brain cancer research and patient support, with campaigners aiming to reach 100,000 signatures.

Fundraising at the Horse & Groom is set to continue throughout the year, with regular quiz nights, bingo and pool competitions and the pub’s cider and sausage event planned for 2026.

Ms Michelin said she hopes more pubs and local businesses will consider using their platforms to support charitable causes.

“The support we’ve had shows what a small community can achieve,” she said.