Hays Travel Bishop Auckland trekking Rockies for charity

The Hays Travel team, made up of 13 staff, set themselves the challenge of walking 900 miles—roughly the length of the Rockies—on an in-store treadmill throughout March to raise funds for the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group.

They exceeded their target by walking a total of 1,126 miles, raising £1,389 for the charity.

Rebecca Labron, assistant manager at Hays Travel Bishop Auckland, said: “We chose this charity as cancer has affected us in many different ways.

“We really wanted to do something to help Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group as they offer so many services to people going through such a hard time.

“They offer free patient transport to hospital appointments, chemotherapy and radiotherapy bags, support groups, and breaks for patients and their families.”

Ms Labron said the group is particularly challenged by rising fuel costs.

She said: “They are currently being hit with the cost of fuel prices, as they rely on volunteer drivers for their ever-expanding transport service.

“By raising this money, we can make a real difference to the charity and help with some of their costs.

“Allison and her team really are amazing people and are worth their weight in gold.”

Allison White, founder of the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hays Travel for raising such a fantastic amount of money for Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group.

“Every penny will go directly towards supporting local cancer patients, helping us provide free patient transport to hospital appointments and vital support services for families across County Durham and Darlington.”

Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent and supports community fundraising through its Local Community Partnership scheme.

Each branch receives a £500 annual budget to support charitable activities, with funds split between youth mental health causes and charities of the branch’s choice.

Over the past year, the national scheme has contributed nearly £170,000 to good causes across the UK.