Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

HOLIDAYS HELP CHARITIES

When staff or supporters of a local Hospice take a holiday or go on a day excursion, they also help to raise money for patients.

The Birmingham-based Woodlands Travel Club, offers holidays and excursions to staff and supporters of the Hospice - and all profits are returned to help with the work of the Hospice.

Woodlands Travel Club is a not for profit organisation set up originally by supporters of the Woodlands Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham to raise funds - and now helps dozens of small charities.

Organiser Sue Sims explains

“We negotiate directly with tour and venue operators, coach companies etc to block book tickets. Any profits we make are then returned to the nominated charities whose supporters take part in the trips - so it's a win win. Charity supporters can have a great time, knowing that their enjoyment is helping others.

We also provide volunteers to accompany clients on coach holidays and day trips.

The Woodlands Travel Club was formed in 1985 by Sue's father, John. The Club operates from the family home in Edgbaston, with mum Sandra acting as accountant.

To-date, the Group has raised over £10,000 for the John Taylor Hospice alone.

Copies of the current programme of holidays and excursions can be obtained from The Woodlands Travel Club on or via their website at www.woodlandstravelclub.org.

The latest programme features the 10 day holiday of a lifetime on the Orient Express - incorporating a 7 day stay in Venice.

The John Taylor Hospice serves a population of over 400,000 in Sutton Coldfield, north and east Birmingham and adjoining areas. They can be contacted on freephone 0800 781 1898 or via their website on www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk


Issued by Ray Woods, Marketing and Fundraising Officer, League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice

Jpeg attached showing members and supporters of the John Taylor Hospice ready for an outing to Ascot – with Sue Sims of Woodlands Travel (Extreme left)