The initiative provides complimentary overnight hotel stays and meal vouchers at selected venues across the country, giving families a vital chance to unwind, reconnect, and step away from the emotional and physical demands of treatment.
This compassionate collaboration recognises the toll that a cancer diagnosis can have not just on individuals, but on the wider family unit. Medical appointments, financial pressures, and emotional strain can create an overwhelming reality—one in which even a brief getaway might feel out of reach. In response, Marston’s has opened its doors and its heart, creating spaces of calm, warmth, and generosity in which families can simply be together.
A Genuine Retreat, Rooted in Hospitality
The initiative offers carefully curated experiences across participating Marston’s hotels and pubs, where families are welcomed with thoughtful service, cosy accommodation, and fresh, locally sourced food. Each stay is about more than a bed for the night—it’s about creating cherished memories, even in the midst of a difficult chapter.
From countryside inns to charming town-centre hotels, the settings have been deliberately selected for their ability to provide peace, comfort, and a change of scenery. With meal vouchers included, families can enjoy delicious, hearty dishes prepared by local chefs, removing yet another layer of day-to-day pressure.
A spokesperson for Marston’s said the collaboration was driven by a desire to “give something meaningful back” and reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to its communities. “We know how important it is for families to have time together during challenging periods. Our venues aren’t just places to eat or stay—they’re places where people can come to feel human again, even if just for a little while.”
Charity in Action: A Life-Changing Impact
The partner charity, known for its national reach and impactful support services, plays a critical role in connecting eligible families to the programme. Working closely with patients, carers, and healthcare providers, the organisation ensures that those who most need a break receive it.
Already, stories are emerging of the difference these stays are making. One mother, whose teenage son is undergoing treatment for leukaemia, described the hotel stay as “the first time in months we could smile and laugh together without hospitals or worry in the background.” Another family spoke of the relief in having a meal out as a family “without having to count pennies or explain our situation.”
The initiative is more than a token gesture—it’s a practical, powerful expression of community care, made possible through the infrastructure of the hospitality industry.
A Vision for Wider Reach and Deeper Support
Looking ahead, both Marston’s and the charity have expressed a shared ambition to expand the initiative, opening up more locations and offering support to an even broader pool of families. Discussions are underway to bring additional hotel partners on board, as well as exploring how the programme could evolve to include wellbeing packages and transport assistance.
At Bancm, we believe hospitality is about people first—and this initiative epitomises that ethos. In a world where commercial gain often takes precedence, it’s heartening to see a major operator using its resources for such a tangible, human purpose.
As the hospitality sector continues to evolve post-pandemic, there’s never been a more crucial time to reaffirm its role in society—not just as a provider of experiences, but as a pillar of community support.
So here’s to the venues making space for healing, the staff going the extra mile, and the families rediscovering laughter over a shared meal. This is hospitality at its most meaningful, and Bancm is proud to shine a spotlight on it.
Stay tuned for more insights from Bancm.
