Coach firm helps charity’s flagship fundraising event
A convoy of coaches from Bakers Dolphin ensured fleet-footed walkers got the best possible start to a massive fund-raising effort at the weekend.
Ten full-size coaches from the South West-based travel company took people to their starting points for Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge, the charity’s flagship fundraising event.
Like many charities, Weston Hospicecare was unable to run most of its usual fundraising activities in 2020, so there was a huge sense of relief that the Mendip Challenge was able to return this year.
The event raises tens of thousands of pounds towards the charity’s vital work in providing palliative care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas.
Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Harrington, said: “The pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for many businesses and organisations.
“Many charities have been particularly hard, having been unable to open their shops or run their usual events, which provide vital income to support their work, so it was heart-warming to see the Mendip Challenge return. We are proud to be associated with it.
“Our staff thoroughly enjoyed the amazing atmosphere that surrounds the event and loved being part of something which can make such a positive difference to the lives of people in this area.
“It’s another sign of life slowly returning to normal, after we were finally able to get our coaches back on the road for some holiday tours on 17 May.”
Mark Flower, Fundraising and Communications Director for Weston Hospicecare, said: “Bakers Dolphin played an important role in the logistics of the Mendip Challenge which, this year, saw 1,003 complete the challenge.
“We anticipate the event will eventually raise more than £70,000, profit which will help Weston Hospicecare support care given to people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“As a Bakers Dolphin customer, we really appreciate their services in order to help us generate this amazing figure.”
