Sheffield landlady wins BT Sport 'Manager of the Month' award after transforming popular Bramall Lane pub
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Carol Donaldson, 58, was recognised for her eagerness to transform The Railway Hotel into a place the community could be proud of.
The retired nurse and lifelong Sheffield United supporter – who is well-known for running the popular Facebook group, Blade2Blade – stepped in to take over the popular Bramall Lane pub after the former tenants announced they would be leaving with “immediate effect” due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
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Hide AdAfter being handed the keys to the boozer on July 31, Carol set about renovating the place and opened just a few weeks later on September 5 after spending an estimated £7,000 on repairs to the upstairs area after the ceiling collapsed.
Upon receiving the BT Sport award, Carol said: “I’ve been over the moon, it made me a bit emotional to win the award because I’ve never won anything like that before. It came as a shock.
“We’ve only been open three weeks and it’s been so busy, I’ve had to turn people away because of the Covid-19 rules. It’s been hard because it’s my business and I need that money coming in but everyone has been so supportive.
"I’m just thrilled to death that I’ve won the award, it’ll take pride of place in the pub.”
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Hide AdCarol was inspired to take over the historic pub as a tribute to her late daughter Tanya, who passed away from pneumonia.
She also tested positive for coronavirus in March earlier this year, and explained how contracting the virus, coupled with the desire to carry on her daughter’s memory, inspired her to take on the role as landlady.
BT Sport launched its Manager of the Month prize to celebrate pub landlords across the UK who go that extra mile to create a unique sport setting for their customers.
Tom Grevatte, director and editor for BT Sport, said: “Carol has only just taken over but has done such a fantastic job. What’s she done to turn this place around is amazing.”