MAKING WISHES COME TRUE
HOTEL WORKERS GET ON THE MOVE
Determined hotel staff are putting their best foot forward to in a virtual expedition to Lapland to raise vital funds for a children’s charity.
From The Manorview Group’s headquarters in Howwood to Santa’s home in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland, the distance is approximately 4350km and crosses 11 countries.
The hotel group has gathered a charity team comprising nearly 80 members who will be splitting the mileage, with each team member completing their own challenge by either walking, running or cycling, all within socially distanced guidelines around their homes.
The team has five days to reach their destination in the Arctic Circle by today in aid of When You Wish Upon A Star.
They have smashed their £2,500 fundraising target having already raised over £9,000 - now their goal is to raise as much as they can for the charity.
Steve Graham, chairman of the Manorview Group, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with When You Wish Upon A Star.
“We’ve seen the great work they do and met many of their Wish families.
“We know the Covid- 19 pandemic has impacted all industries, including the charity sector.
“Our team wanted to help, to ensure that children from Scotland can continue to have their Wishes granted, and families get the opportunity to experience those very precious shared memories.”
The Manorview Group, which owns the Lynnhurst Hotel in Johnstone and The Bowfield Hotel in Howwood, has donated over £30,000 to the charity and staff have completed many challenges including the London Marathon, an Arctic trek, cycles, hill climbs, a glass walk, a fashion show and various raffles and collections.
Every Christmas the charity charters a flight to Lapland, inviting Wish children and their families from all over Scotland who meet the charity’s criteria, on a magical Winter Wish.
This year the charity had been planning to celebrate 30 years of granting magical Wishes across the UK.
Due to Covid-19 they have put all their Wish granting on hold, as the health and safety of children and their families is paramount.
Sadly, as is the case with most charities, their funds have been depleted due to the pandemic, and the cancellation of many fundraising events including their 30th birthday celebrations.
Judith King, fundraiser for the charity in Scotland, said: “The Manorview family mean everything to our Wish granting work in Scotland and we are honoured that they are supporting us at this time.
“It’s a long road ahead for our Wish granters when they start their Great Expedition. We wish them well and look forward to hearing how they are getting on!
“Their end goal of Lapland is a very special place to the charity where we have proudly invited our inspirational Wish families for over 29 years to go in search of Santa. Providing time away, giving our families something to look forward to through times of uncertainty, and often financial as well as emotional strain.
“A child’s Winter Wish has the power to transform their lives, offering excitement and something to focus on, and allows a child to put their illness on hold as they have fun with their family and make lifelong precious memories together.
“For the Manorview team to be able to give this experience to our families is everything and we are proud to have them as part of our Wish granting team in Scotland!”
To follow Manorview’s Lapland Expedition please see: https://www.justgiving.com/team/manorviewlapland
Our team wanted to help to ensure children from Scotland can continue to have their wishes granted