Car enthusiasts decided one good deed deserved another after enjoying a tasty treat by the seaside.
Fifteen members of the Essex Mini Club arranged a trip to Frinton and bought fish and chips from Pier One, in Connaught Avenue.
Upon arriving, the restaurant owner – a classic car fan himself – decided to donate the food free of charge, as a goodwill gesture.
Rather than taking money, he insisted the group gave money to charity instead – resulting in a £230 donation to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). EACH has a shop just along the road from Pier One.
Essex Mini Club chairman Danny Birch said: “When I went in to place our order, a member of staff told me the owner loves classic cars and was more than happy to donate food for our day out.
“I was in shock and insisted we pay our way, as we didn’t want any freebies.
“However, the owner refused and told us to donate the cost of our bill to charity.
“I went away and spoke to the rest of the group and, between us, we came up with £230 for EACH.”
The group plan to organise another ‘fish and chip run’ early this year and hope to raise more money for EACH.
Ali Butler, EACH’s senior community fundraiser for Suffolk, said: “What a fabulous story and incredible gesture, both from the Pier One owner and all the day trippers from the Essex Mini Club.
“We were so pleased to hear what happened and hope they had a brilliant day, no doubt made all the more enjoyable by this very kind act. We’re very grateful.”
