A PUB has launched a collection in aid of the family of its former landlord who died last week following a battle with illness.

Matty Williams, manager at the town centre Sefton Arms for more than 20 years, sadly died on Wednesday, May 3, after a brave fight with bowel cancer.

Matty was a well-known figure in the town and was at the reins at the Baldwin Street pub for 22 years.

Under Matty's tenure, the Sefton was often a feature in the Good Beer Guide and was renowned for its real ale offerings and has been a popular venue in the town centre's drinking scene.

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The Stonegate-owned pub underwent a wholesale refurbishment in 2019 and last year the Sefton was also recognised by the Best Bar None programme, which rewards businesses that are providing a high standard of service and safety for its customers.

St Helens Star: Matty (third, from right) after the Sefton was accredited by Best Bar None in 2022Matty (third, from right) after the Sefton was accredited by Best Bar None in 2022 (Image: St Helens Council)

Matty, who was a dad-of-three, was also an organiser the Westfield Street Music Festival, which brought a jamboree of live music to St Helens town centre venues in recent years.

He was also a chairman of the St Helens Pub Watch scheme.

A raft of tributes have been paid following his passing.

The Sefton announced on its Facebook page that it has started a collection for Matty's family.

The pub said it is doing the collection on-site and has also set up a JustGiving page too for anyone who would like to contribute.

The fundraising page says: “Matty sadly passed away on the 3rd of May after a short battle with bowel cancer.

“He was surrounded by his lovely family.
Matty touched so many people’s hearts and lives in the 53 years he had. He was manager of The Sefton for 22 years! He was a much-loved person in our community.

“We want to get a collection of money for his lovely family: Nicole and his 3 boys.

“Hopefully they can put it towards something a little bit fun and not too serious. Just a little sunshine in their sadness.

“We love Matty so much”.

  • Visit here to view the page.