Posted: Tue 15th Oct 2024

Kind-hearted Airbus staff battle the blisters to raise £20k for children’s hospice!

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

A team of big-hearted employees from Airbus battled through the blisters and raised a fantastic £20,000 for a local children’s hospice.

Walking the 82km from their base in Broughton along the North Wales Coast path to Tŷ Gobaith in the Conwy Valley over the weekend 14-15 September, the team of 27 even camped out overnight half way near Prestatyn as the weather began to turn.

Led by Guy Jones, 55, the hardy walkers from the Manufacturing Engineering department have now completed four charity efforts for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

Guy explained his emotional connection to children’s hospices: “I lost two sisters at a young age after they were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

“Seeing how a children’s hospice helped get my parents and family through that torrid end-of-life time really made me want to do something.

“When I moved to the Cheshire from Derby I was glad to find Hope House and contacted them to see if Airbus could help.”

Having assisted with numerous improvement projects at Hope House in Oswestry, the ever-growing team of volunteers from Airbus felt it was time to visit the charity’s Conwy site.

After already completing a walk to the Oswestry hospice, the Yorkshire Four Peaks and the Welsh Three Peaks in atrocious conditions in 2023, the ever-growing team decided to take on the North Wales Coast Path this year.

“The team just don’t stop,” said Guy.

“We had 12 of us in the first year and that has grown to 27 this time.

“The spirit was great on the walk and despite some painful blisters we made it to our campsite for some hot food and even a little karaoke before a rough sleep and setting off early the next morning.”

Day two proved a lot tougher as the weather turned wetter and the painful feet started to take their toll.

“People we met along the way were fantastic and gave donations,” Said Guy.

“We stopped to build a few sand castles, but managed to arrive at Tŷ Gobaith before dark to a wonderful welcome.

“We met the staff and some of the children as well.

“It was two days of doing the right thing for the right people. It’s in our blood.”

Airbus’ total will be donated to Hope House Ty Gobaith in November during their Quality Moments Matter event which is a 36hr fundraising marathon in which every donation is doubled by a matchers’ pot.

Over the years the Airbus volunteers have raised around £120k for the hospices with their events and Quality Moments Matter.

Hospice fundraiser Nicola Eyes, said: “Guy and his team are just amazing.

“They are so thoughtful and just love helping the children and families.

“Whether it’s getting hands-on in the grounds or taking on these brave physical challenges, they’re all superstars.

“We are so grateful to them and look forward to assisting them in their future efforts.”

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