10 Mar 2017 Community

Thomas Cook Stride to Glory for Kirkwood Hospice

As part of their 175th Anniversary celebrations, 54 dedicated Thomas Cook employees took on a heart-felt 12-mile Leicester to Loughborough walk in tribute to former colleague, Claire Greenwood.

Back in August last year, a team of committed Thomas Cook employees chose to fundraise for Kirkwood on their annual walk, with total funds donated to the Hospice reaching an incredible £2,601.

Marking the 175th anniversary of Thomas Cook’s first public train excursion from Leicester to Loughborough in 1841, the national travel agency raised funds for Kirkwood Hospice, Thomas Cook Children’s Charity and ABTA Lifeline on their annual fundraising walk.

The company chose to donate 10% of all total funds raised on the day to Kirkwood after the Hospice cared for Claire Greenwood, a Thomas Cook Regional Area Manager, back in 2016.

The Team at White Rose presenting the cheque for £2,601.68 to Kirkwood Hospice Community Fundraiser, Lyndsey Richardson

 

Kicking things off at Thomas Cook, Leicester, and concluding at the Loughborough store, the well-attended charity walk saw colleagues dress the part in Victorian era costumes and take the scenic route along the canals on the 12-mile Leicester to Loughborough stretch.

For the 6.5 hour course, walkers were split into teams with prizes on offer for the shortest walking time, best fancy dress and most creative photo capturing the 15 milestones available along the route.

Claire’s husband, Richard Greenwood, who attended the walk, is overwhelmed at the support shown for his wife.

He said: “I am so grateful to the team at Thomas Cook for their support and for the kindness and compassion shown to my wife, Claire.

“I would also like to say thank you to the wonderful team at Kirkwood Hospice for the care they gave to Claire.”

"I would like to thank everyone that took part for their efforts. The money raised will allow us to help more patients and their families in Kirklees affected by a life-limiting illness." Lyndsey Richardson

Kirkwood Hospice Community Fundraiser, Lyndsey Richardson, who attended a recent cheque presentation at White Rose, is extremely grateful for the team’s fundraising efforts and touched by their chosen support for the Hospice.

She said: “It was great to see the whole team at Thomas Cook walking to celebrate their 175th Anniversary and to raise funds for not only their own charities, but also for Kirkwood.

“I would like to thank everyone that took part for their efforts. The money raised will allow us to help more patients and their families in Kirklees affected by a life-limiting illness.”