Doug Wright MBE, DL who owns the local McDonald’s Restaurant franchise, is the latest local business to become a commercial partner of the Royal Sutton Fun Run.

Doug, who began his working life at McDonald’s as a cleaner in Bedford aged 16, became the youngest UK restaurant manager at the aged just 20.

He took on his first McDonald’s franchise in Lichfield, October 2002 and now operates 21 McDonald’s Restaurants across the West Midlands including Sutton Coldfield, Bassetts Pole and Burntwood.

Doug said: “Over the last forty years, the Fun Run has been an ‘annual pilgrimage’ for so many local people. Not only does it provide the best ‘atmospheric day’ in the royal town but has generated nearly five million pounds for charities, voluntary groups and community interest organisations since 1982.

“I was delighted to be invited to start last year’s 40th anniversary Fun Run representing the late Queen Elizabeth in my role as West Midlands Deputy Lieutenant. The atmosphere in the town centre was electric and so welcome after the covid restrictions.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support the Fun Run and look forward to a special day celebrating the 40th event at the start of June.”

James Pike, Fun Run director said: “After the turbulent years of Covid restrictions, it was fabulous to see so many people gathering together in Sutton town centre and enjoying the Fun Run last year.

“We’re still very much recovering from the effects of having to cancel three times in two years and having to reschedule last year’s event to avoid a clash with the late Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee celebrations.

“We very much welcome the franchise supported community initiative from Doug and his McDonald’s logo will feature on each official run number worn by all entrants.

“We hope this is the start of a long-term partnership helping us drive the event forward and generating more money for charities, voluntary groups and community interest organisations who provide such critical support to people across our town.”

Pictured (L-R): James Pike, Vanessa Hoe and Doug Wright MBE