Special beer brewed for injured rugby captain

An independent brewery has created a special beer to raise money for a local rugby player who was seriously injured during a match.

Hook Norton Brewery made JB's Journey for former Banbury Rugby Club captain and coach John Baker, with the help of his wife Tina, daughter Georgina, and close family friend Paul Jackson.

Mr Baker was playing a rugby game for the club when an injury left him paralysed from the chest down.

Mark Graham, marketing manager at the brewery, said: "The club has always been a big part of my life... so it seemed logical when this happened for us to step in and help out wherever we could."

Mr Graham has played rugby with Mr Baker since they were both teenagers.

"He was a lot better than me I have to say, so he progressed all through the ranks," he told the BBC.

A day was spent crafting JB's Journey with brewer Robin Underwood.

Mr Graham said family members were "involved in the brew day to give that personal touch and give them a good day at the brewery making the beer".

He added: "It is quite personal to a lot of us... it's all about raising awareness and it's great to get the feedback.

"I got a message from John on Facebook this afternoon just saying that he was humbled, which is humbling in itself.

"We're doing this for him and his family and looking forward to having a pint with him when he hopefully returns home next year."

JB's Journey will be available from Saturday at Banbury Rugby Club's next home game, and will also be available in selected local pubs.

Funds raised will go towards the JB Foundation to support Mr Baker's family during his ongoing treatment and recovery.

The brewery has been crafting ales, lagers and stouts since 1849.

It is also one of last remaining breweries in the country that still owns shire horses, once the staple breed used to draw brewers' drays.

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