Shining stars of travel

ROL CRUISE LEADS THEWAY BY RAISING £100,000 FOR THE NHS!

SOME of our best-loved travel firms have been doing outstanding work behind the scenes to support the NHS during the pandemic.

ROL Cruise, based in Colchester, for example, has raised more than £100,000 for Essex and Suffolk NHS causes including hospitals, hospices and care homes since the lockdown began in late March.

The leading cruise agency contributed the impressive sum by donating £25 from every booking made. Funds will cover items above and beyond what the local NHS can provide.

Staff, volunteers and patients will now have access to wellbeing packs, accommodation, travel, parking and volunteer expenses.

It will also support the longer-term mental health and rehabilitation of staff and will help to support NHS patients to leave hospital safely and without delays.

Sarah Wikevand, Managing Director, ROL Cruise says, ‘We are so proud to have been able to raise over £100,000 for the NHS and care partnerships, and are delighted to hear the difference it will make across such a wide spectrum of services that are supporting people living with the impact of coronavirus.

‘The NHS staff and volunteers are doing such amazing work in caring for Covid-19 patients and their families and we are very thankful that we have been able to show our support.

‘I would also like to extend our thanks to our cruising customers whose support has enabled us to reach the fundraising target so quickly.’

Dr Ed Garratt, chief executive of the clinical commissioning groups across Suffolk and north east Essex, says: ‘ This is a huge donation and we are all extremely grateful to ROL Cruise, its staff and its customers. ‘

Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council cabinet member for health and adult social care, says: ‘With this kind donation the staff of ROL Cruise have demonstrated to all carers in Essex that their efforts are valued and visible.’

FOUNDED in 1995, ROL Cruise is the UK’s No.1 independent cruise retailer and considered the No.1 agent by many of the world’s leading cruise companies, including APT, Cruise and Maritime Voyages, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Scenic and Emerald Waterways.

The company, which employs more than 130, is renowned for its high standards of service and extensive knowledge of the cruise market and in recognition of this has received more than 50 industry awards.

Its loyalty rewards programme, Cruise Miles, helps more than 400,000 registered members make savings on bookings.