Staff have paid tribute to their former colleague who was the “heart and soul” of a pub by raising more than £30,000 for charity.

Alex Caw, assistant manager at The Compasses died in August after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

A member of the team since May 2022, he was on the pathway to becoming a general manager due to his “drive and passion”.

The 36-year-old was described by his colleagues as the heart and soul of the Tunbridge Wells pub.

When he received his diagnosis, staff organised a “Whip for Alex” and raised more than £2,000 to go towards bills and other expenses as he underwent treatment.

Greene King spokeswoman Louise Ainsworth said: “Losing Alex was absolutely devastating for the team at The Compasses, and for me personally.

“He had such drive and ambition and was truly seen as a member of the family by everyone who worked with him.”

General manager Robin Mallia decided to launch a baton relay across a number of boozers to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in honour of Alex.

From August to December, a handmade baton journeyed from pub to pub – each place hosting its own fundraising activity.

It was passed between 15 venues from Maidstone to Surrey and was finally returned back to The Compasses on Saturday, December 9. Team members hosted 10,000 step challenges, bake sales, quizzes and more.

Louise added: “I’m so incredibly proud of how all the pubs in the area have stepped up in the last few months, both in their fundraising activity, and the way they’ve rallied around the staff at The Compasses during this difficult time.

“Macmillan Cancer Support assisted Alex when he needed it the most and we’re so proud of the amount we’ve raised in Alex’s name.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the fundraising over the past few months, we couldn’t have done it without you.”

So far they have raised £32,000 for the charity.

Rachel Gascoigne, senior partnership manager at Macmillan, said: “We were really moved after hearing Alex’s story and the incredible response from Greene King colleagues.

“The efforts from team members, customers, friends and family have been nothing short of amazing and embodies everything that is good in humanity and we are really thankful to everyone who has been involved.

“At Macmillan we are almost entirely funded by generous donations and the money raised will help us continue to do whatever it takes to provide vital support for people living with cancer.”